By Josh 
Pittsburgh Steelers legend and Super Bowl champion Joey Porter Sr. believes that Steelers fans have grown “spoiled” by the team’s success under Mike Tomlin—even as postseason struggles continue.
Speaking on NFL Network’s Super Bowl media row, Porter defended Tomlin, stating that despite playoff disappointments, the head coach remains firmly secure in team owner Art Rooney II’s eyes.
“That’s just the price of doing business in Pittsburgh,” Porter said. “I’m sorry that we’re not sorry that we’re spoiled to a point where 10 games ain’t good enough. So he’s been on a hot seat in their mind—the city’s mind. Not Mr. Rooney’s mind. Mr. Rooney knows exactly what they have in a good coach in Mike Tomlin.”
Tomlin’s Playoff Struggles Continue
The Steelers’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card Round marked their sixth consecutive playoff defeat, extending an eight-year postseason winless streak. Tomlin now joins Jim Mora, Marvin Lewis, Marty Schottenheimer, and Shane Owen as one of only five head coaches in NFL history to lose six or more straight playoff games. Lewis holds the record with seven straight losses.
Despite the frustrations, Porter emphasized that Tomlin’s job is not in jeopardy, arguing that Steelers fans may not fully appreciate the consistent success the team has achieved.
“Did we finish the way we wanted? Absolutely not,” Porter admitted. “The five-game losing streak hurts. But are we that disappointed? I don’t think anyone had us winning 10 games and nearly taking the division. The idea of Tomlin being on the hot seat is just a Pittsburgh thing. They do this to him every year.”
While playoff struggles remain a sore spot, Tomlin’s leadership has kept the Steelers competitive—something few teams in the NFL can claim year after year.