From erickleinphd (@DrEricKlein):
Erick, this is one way I could see Tomlin’s long, distinguished run in Pittsburgh coming to a close. Because if Tomlin and the Rooneys aren’t going to have the conversation on their own, this would be the way to force it on everyone.
Say Carolina’s David Tepper or Washington’s Josh Harris—both former minority owners in Pittsburgh—call Art Rooney and suggest a trade. Say they’re willing to part with a first-round pick and more. Say Rooney says he has to think about it, and then goes to Tomlin with the idea—after missing the playoffs (again, hypothetically) for a fourth time in six years.
Wouldn’t Rooney have to discuss that with Tomlin? Both owners would likely pay top dollar for him. Both teams are in relatively close proximity to where Tomlin grew up in Hampton, Va. And if you have that conversation, where does it go? There are a lot of questions about the quarterback the Steelers took two years ago. Recent white flags waved by George Pickens and Diontae Johnson in games seem to run counter to what Tomlin has built.
I think it’s possible that conversation leads to the conclusion that, after 17 years, it’s simply time. That wouldn’t mean the Steelers don’t believe Tomlin is a great coach, nor would it mean that Tomlin was quitting on anyone, or that the team was losing its way. The youngest player on the Steelers roster, Keeanu Benton, was 5 years old when Tomlin got the job. Bill Cowher, Tomlin’s predecessor, left after 15 years, two fewer than Tomlin.
Honestly, I wasn’t really thinking this way until a couple of weeks ago. But after the Cardinals, Patriots and Colts games, I’m starting to think it’s possible.
