Mike Tomlin’s Steelers are out of the playoffs after being blown out by the rival Ravens, adding another year of distance since their last postseason win back in 2017.
The consistency has been there in terms of winning seasons - as Tomlin hasn’t posted a losing record in his tenure as head coach, but BT believes Pittsburgh is souring on its head coach, and it’s time for the Jets to pounce and offer “multiple first-round picks” to get Tomlin.
“They have run a very smart and thorough search so far,” BT said of the Jets and their head coaching search. “If they are not or have not already been on the phone, at least on the most basic, exploratory level, with the Pittsburgh Steelers on the availability of a trade for Mike Tomlin, then they’re not doing the job I thought they were doing. You must call the Steelers.
“I think it’s over there for him. Should the Steelers fire him? The answer is no, and I don’t think that they will. But that doesn’t mean you can’t pounce on a bit of a vulnerable period for the Pittsburgh Steelers.”
BT would “100 percent” give up this year’s seventh overall pick and another first to get Tomlin to New York, as the head coach still has two years left on his contract (he also reportedly has a full no-trade clause), and even if Tomlin’s track record in recent years isn’t enough for a franchise with expectations like the Steelers, the Jets should run at the opportunity to bring him in.
“You have to at least call them,” BT said. “Put it on the table, and make them say no.”
Sal would immediately jump at the chance to hire Tomlin as well, but he doesn’t see it becoming a real option, as he believes Pittsburgh would be nuts to part with him, who he believes is likely the second-best coach in the NFL.
“If Mike Tomlin is available, whatever franchise you are, to do whatever it takes to go get him,” Sal said. “My first issue with this is, why do we think Tomlin is gonna be available? I don’t buy it.”