Mike Tomlin Opens Up About Playoff Losing Streak: ‘That’s My Story’

The Pittsburgh Steelers and head coach Mike Tomlin have not won a playoff game since the 2016 season, with the team going 0-3 in that span in the postseason.

They have a chance to snap that streak against the Buffalo Bills on Monday, but asked about whether he takes that past into consideration, Tomlin gave an interesting answer. Asked if he used that streak as a rallying cry for this year’s team, Tomlin explained why he did not.

“That’s my story,” he said to Bob Labriola of Steelers.com. “That’s not [Nick] Herbig’s story. In 2016 Herbig was probably in ninth grade. A guy like Elandon Roberts was playing for another team. It’s not their burden to bear. I don’t ask them to tote my luggage. I don’t project my luggage onto them. This is the 2023-24 Pittsburgh Steelers, and I’m concerned about this journey and rallying cries as it pertains to this group. And sometimes you’re kidding yourself if you think history like that is important to guys who weren’t a part of it. It’s not.”

STEELERS PLAYOFF LOSING STREAK

2018 Divisional Round vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 45-42 L
2020 Wild Card vs. Cleveland Browns, 48-37 L
2021 Wild Card at Kansas City Chiefs, 42-21 L

There are scant few members of the Steelers organization that have been here for that three-game losing streak beyond Tomlin. Only defensive tackle Cam Heyward and kicker Chris Boswell will suit up on Monday as players that were also with the club in 2016.

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