The star quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers aims for leadership because he lacks “structure.”
The star quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers aims for leadership because he lacks “structure.”
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin watches the fourth quarter of the game against the Green Bay Packers at Increaser Stadium. Mandatory credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
After a rollercoaster season, the Pittsburgh Steelers star wants to see big changes in the building next season. The Steelers won their final three games of the regular season and advanced to the playoffs with a 10-7 record. But they lost to the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round on Monday. Two days in Washington, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin plays in the second half of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory credit: Stephen Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
The Steelers have had plenty of internal drama along the way. Wide receivers Deontay Johnson and George Pickens were frustrated at times by the offense’s fatigue. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada was fired in mid-November after fans called for his head since the start of the season. The Pittsburgh Steelers star would like to see things change this offseason.
Naji Harris thinks the Steelers need to make more changes this offseason. According to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, Harris repeatedly defended Tomlin to the media following Monday’s loss to the Bills. However, according to him, the management should introduce new rules to create a better framework for the next season.
“This is a building-only bylaw,” Harris said. “We have to be disciplined. We need to do more. I’m not saying it isn’t, but I’m just coming from a structural place and seeing that we could use some help in those areas. It can make a difference. I think this is something we can help with. I’m not talking about coaches or anything. I’m talking more about internal discipline. “I’m just a player, but the people in this building know what they’re talking about.”
Harris doesn’t think Tomlin should be fired after the season, but it’s hard not to read this statement and not think Harris is sending a warning signal to the coaching staff that Pittsburgh’s culture needs to change.
If Tomlin decides to stay with the Steelers through 2024, he will enter the final year of his contract after 18 seasons in Pittsburgh. Can Tomlin make enough changes by June 19?