It didn’t take long for the mood in Pittsburgh to change. Just a week after the Steelers impressed with a solid win over the New York Jets, things quickly took a turn for the worse. A 31-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks shocked Steeler Nation. The contrast was stark, and all eyes soon turned to head coach Mike Tomlin.

Analysts wasted no time criticizing Tomlin. Andrew Fillipponi, host on 93.7 The Fan, was particularly harsh, saying, “Do not think they’re gonna win a playoff game this year with Tomlin. All right, and I do not think they’ll ever compete for a Super Bowl with him.” His co-host, Chris Mueller, agreed, pointing to deeper, long-term problems.

The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since their 18-16 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2017 divisional round. Despite boasting a solid roster that includes a former number two overall draft pick, a Super Bowl-winning veteran, and a four-time MVP, the team continues to struggle. Co-host Chris Mueller argued that Tomlin’s hesitation to trust young talent and his reluctance to hire an elite coaching staff have left the Steelers stuck in a rut. It feels like a replay of the same problems they’ve battled for years.

Still, Tomlin’s coaching career shows undeniable success. Since taking over as head coach in 2007, he has kept the Steelers consistently competitive, earning 18 consecutive non-losing seasons, seven AFC North titles, 11 playoff appearances, two Super Bowl appearances, and winning a championship in just his second year. While his track record is impressive, recent performances have started to raise questions and concerns among fans and analysts alike.

The growing frustration among Steeler fans is no surprise. Many still remember the days when Pittsburgh was regularly in the thick of the title hunt. Now, that dream feels more distant than ever. Sunday’s crushing 31-17 loss to the Seahawks served as a painful reminder of how far the team has slipped.

Seattle dominated much of the game’s final quarter, outscoring Pittsburgh 17-3 to seal the victory. A critical blunder on a kickoff—when Steelers returner Kaleb Johnson turned his back on a live ball—led to a Seahawks touchdown and effectively broke the Steelers’ resolve. Despite this costly mistake, criticism of the team’s overall performance and Tomlin’s leadership continues to mount.

Former NFL cheerleader blasted Mike Tomlin

Amanda Vance didn’t hold back. Just two weeks into the Steelers’ 2025 season, frustration boiled over. The Steel City buzzed with hope after a strong opening win, but that optimism quickly faded. Following a sloppy 31-17 loss to the Seahawks, Vance, a passionate Steelers superfan and former Miami Dolphins cheerleader, made it crystal clear she had reached her limit.

At first, the season showed promise. Aaron Rodgers led the Steelers to a solid victory against his former team, the Jets, and Steeler Nation began to believe a new era was unfolding. However, things unraveled fast. Rodgers couldn’t save the day, and the offense looked lifeless. Optimism gave way to disappointment.

Moreover, it wasn’t only the offense that faltered. Special teams committed glaring mistakes that had fans shaking their heads. For many, this game was yet another painful reminder of Pittsburgh’s ongoing struggles. Vance was no longer willing to keep quiet. She spoke loudly and clearly, voicing the growing frustration of disgruntled Steeler fans.

“I’m leaving early, but so is everybody, and I waited until three minutes left. Fire Mike Tomlin,” Vance declared in a video while walking out of the stadium. She wasn’t alone. Numerous fans followed her lead, heading for the exits with heavy hearts. Now, all eyes are on Week 3 to see how Tomlin will respond to mounting pressure.