Mike Tomlin Tabbed as Most Overrated NFL Coach
With the Pittsburgh Steelers on a eight-year playoff win drought, it’s become evident on social media that Mike Tomlin’s approval rating has fallen to a new low. The fanbase is fed up with going one-and-done in the playoffs.
In fact, a new study from the Action Network reveals that Tomlin was the No. 1 most overrated NFL coach of the 2024 season, according to social media sentiment.
By tracking social media mentions of the word ‘overrated,’ the Action Network found 10,980 mentions of Tomlin being labeled as such – more than any other coach.
“The Steelers have been nothing if not consistent over the past several years, but after yet another early playoffs exit, fans are starting to lose their patience with head coach Mike Tomlin,” Alicia Grimes of the Action Network wrote.
“Pressure has mounted on Tomlin for the last few seasons to make changes to the team that could make them believable title contenders, yet they still can’t seem to find the momentum they need. According to our data, 3,120 fans have made their feelings known on social media, making Tomlin the head coach most likely to be described as overrated.”
The Steelers went over their preseason betting total (8.5 wins) in 2024. It was the fifth consecutive season that Tomlin’s squad has gone over the preseason mark. So in that aspect, Tomlin has overachieved. Just having winning seasons is not good for the Steelers faithful, however, and that is understandable. Tomlin needs to start producing in the playoffs. The Steelers have not had an eight-year playoff win drought since pre-1972.
The Steelers haven’t had a losing season since 2003, which is by far the longest active streak in the NFL. The Steelers are tied for the longest non-losing season streak in NFL history with the Dallas Cowboys’ 21-year run from 1965-85. The Steelers finished 8-8 four times over the past two decades (2006, 2012, 2013 and 2018). The next-longest streak of non-losing seasons is 19 by the New England Patriots. New England never had a below .500 season during their two separate dynasty eras from 2001 to 2019.
Only Tom Landry (21 seasons, 1965-1985) and Bill Belichick (19 seasons, 2001-2019) have more consecutive seasons without a losing record than Tomlin’s 18. Landry had five consecutive losing seasons to start his career with the Dallas Cowboys, while Belichick had losing seasons in Cleveland and in his first season in New England.
Since 1972, the Steelers have 41 winning seasons, seven losing seasons and five .500 seasons.
Alan Saunders contributed reporting for this story.