The Pittsburgh Steelers walked into their Week 13 matchup needing a spark against the Buffalo Bills. Instead, the Steel City watched another loss, and now at 6-6. And right after that, the noise around firing Mike Tomlin grew louder across the league. That is when Ben Roethlisberger stepped in with a bold take about Tomlin’s next stop.

On his latest Footbahlin podcast, Roethlisberger sounded fed up with the slump that the Black and Gold keep stumbling through. Roethlisberger feels that the franchise may need a new direction in the Steel City.

“It may be, and I know it has been talked about around here a lot. Maybe it is time to clean the house. Maybe it is and I like Coach Tomlin. I have a lot of respect for Coach Tomlin, but maybe it’s best for him too.”

Roethlisberger continued by suggesting that Tomlin might even be better suited for a fresh start in college football. He even put an actual destination on the table. He floated the idea of Tomlin becoming the next head coach at Penn State, a program that is searching for a new leader after parting ways with James Franklin.

“Maybe a fresh start for him is what is best. Whether that is in the pros. Go be Penn State’s head coach. Do you know what he would do at Penn State? He would probably go win National Championships because he is a great recruiter.”

Now the only question is whether Tomlin would ever consider it. The answer is unclear. However, Roethlisberger’s comments have already sparked a debate. And recently, Tomlin himself shared his take on it.

Mike Tomlin addressed his sacking talks

Last game week, the Pittsburgh Steelers walked out of a rough 26-7 loss, and the vibe inside Acrisure Stadium shifted fast. Fans reached their breaking point and started chanting “Fire Tomlin” as the game slipped away. Then on Tuesday, Tomlin stepped in front of the Pittsburgh media and finally spoke on it.

“You know, in general I agree with them.”

He did not shy away from the frustration around the fanbase. Instead, he acknowledged the passion while reminding people that he remains committed to the standards he has carried through nearly two decades. His tone showed he understood the anger but also the responsibility. Tomlin also explained the business and the expectations.

“From this perspective, football is our game, and we are in the sport and entertainment business. So when you root for the Steelers, entertaining them is winning. So when you are not winning, it is not entertaining… I respect it, and I share their frustrations.”

This season has tested him and the whole locker room in ways they have not felt before. Still, Tomlin ended with focus.

“I understand what makes this thing go,” Tomlin said. “Winning is what makes this thing go.”

So, he continues to fight to protect his streak. He has never had a losing season in eighteen years, and now he is battling to keep that alive in year nineteen.