We’ve got to hand it to you, Pittsburgh Steelers.
For years, a hearty contingent of your fanbase griped and groused about Mike Tomlin and the Steelers’ perceived mediocrity. Finishing at or above .500 — something the Steelers accomplished in every season of Tomlin’s tenure, which reached 19 years before he finally, ultimately stepped down earlier this month.
Playoff appearances? The Steelers had 13 in those 19 years, but that also didn’t cut the mustard — especially the one-and-done exits in the past six postseasons.
Not good enough. The Steelers fans demanded more. And you, the franchise, heard that outcry and responded.
By hiring the most mediocre of coaches to replace Tomlin.
Mike McCarthy was (probably) not the worst option on the coaching market. He definitely was not the best. McCarthy spent 12 seasons and change in charge at Green Bay, and yes, he won a Super Bowl — against the Steelers, no less. His tenure might be better remembered for one gaffe after another in subsequent postseasons, while reportedly alienating Packers star Aaron Rodgers, who oh by the way was QB1 last season for Tomlin and the Steelers on a one-year contract.
From there,McCarthy moved on to the Dallas Cowboys, where he won a single playoff game in his five years on the job — with three postseason appearances.
Oh, by the way, McCarthy’s winning percentage in the regular season (.608, 174-112-2) is lower than that of the supposedly stale and stagnant Tomlin (.628, 193-114-2 in regular season). Although, to be fair, McCarthy’s playoff record (.500, 11-11) is better than Tomlin’s (.400, 8-12) although is a .500 record really worth throwing a parade?
It’s hard to imagine that the guy who didn’t accomplish enough to placate Cowboys fans is going to satisfy the Steelers. All that air generated from waving the Terrible Towels might be needed to put out the dumpster fire that awaits.
That didn’t dissuade the Steelers. They could have had a rising star like Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula or, if the emphasis was offense, where McCarthy has cultivated some sort of rep as a whiz for some unsubstantiated reason, then Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski could have been the ideal choice.
But no.
The Steelers said, we need a man with experience.
We need a man who’s crapped his proverbial pants in the playoffs time and time again.
We need a man who has successfully infuriated two of the most diehard fanbases in the league, to the point they wanted him run out of town on a rail — and got what they wanted.
A sizable contingent of Steelers fans wanted Tomlin gone for years.
Well, be careful what you wish for.
Until then, you’ve got this ‘L’ to keep you warm during the long cold offseason.
‘L’ Of The Week Archive
Oct. 20-26: Mississippi State football
Oct. 27-Nov. 2: Carson Beck
Nov. 10-16: That Texas state trooper from the A&M-South Carolina game
Nov. 24-30: The University of Arkansas
Dec. 1-7: Virginia football
Dec. 8-15: Joel Klatt
Dec. 16-21: Tennessee Titans
Dec. 22-28: Detroit Lions
Dec. 29-Jan. 4: Alabama football
Jan. 5-11: Green Bay Packers