Every year, as playoff time rolls around, the “Fire Tomlin” chants seem to get louder. Steelers fans are passionate, and I get it—the frustrations aren’t without reason. Let’s face it: Pittsburgh hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016. That’s seven long years without postseason success. For a team with six Super Bowl banners hanging in the rafters, that’s tough to accept.

In 17 seasons, Mike Tomlin has taken us to two Super Bowls, winning one. And while his streak of never having a losing season is historic, I understand why some fans think that’s not enough. Steelers Nation doesn’t hang banners for above .500 seasons.

There’s no sugarcoating it—our recent playoff performances have been rough. Blowout losses to teams like the Browns and Jaguars have left a bad taste in my mouth, too. And yes, there are valid concerns about in-game decisions, clock management, and accountability. Tomlin’s “standard is the standard” mantra can feel hollow when the results don’t match the rhetoric.

But before we rush to part ways with the man who’s been the face of the Steelers for nearly two decades, I think we need to step back and add some perspective.

Let’s talk about Andy Reid. He’s a name that comes up in every “best NFL coach” conversation these days, and for good reason. The man has built a dynasty in Kansas City, pairing his offensive genius with Patrick Mahomes to dominate the league. But here’s something that might surprise you: Reid went six years without winning a single playoff game during the end of his time in Philadelphia and the start of his Kansas City tenure.

Even more surprising? Reid didn’t win a Super Bowl until his 21st season as a head coach. Twenty-one years. And guess who his quarterback was that got him over the hill? A generational talent in Patrick Mahomes, who might go down as the greatest quarterback of all time.

This isn’t a knock on Reid—he’s an all-time great, no doubt. But it shows that even the best coaches face adversity and need the right players and circumstances to win it all.

Now, back to Tomlin. Sure, it’s fair to criticize him for playoff struggles. But let’s not overlook what he’s accomplished. In a league designed for parity, where even great teams can spiral into years of mediocrity (just ask Browns fans), Tomlin has kept the Steelers competitive.

Think about this: not once in 17 seasons has he had a losing record. That’s incredible. And he’s done it through quarterback changes, injuries, and plenty of off-field drama. If you think the grass is greener without Tomlin, just look at teams that fire coaches every few years hoping to find the next great head coach. Most of them don’t—they just keep spinning their wheels. Look at the Bears, who have only had three winning seasons in the past 11 years, or the Jets, who haven’t had a winning record since 2015 or made the playoffs since 2010.

I know many fans hate to hear the stat of Tomlin never having a losing season, but the first part of winning a Super Bowl is getting to the playoffs, and you can’t get there by having a losing season. In my adult life, I believe I have only witnessed one game the Steelers have played that was meaningless and they were out of playoff contention.

Steelers fans have every right to expect more—I do, too. The playoff drought needs to end, the philosophy needs to evolve and the team has to find ways to win big games again. But I don’t believe firing Tomlin is the magic fix some people think it is. Could it lead to success? Of course, it’s possible. But the truth is, Tomlin is a very good football coach. He’s not perfect, but greatness often requires patience. Just ask Andy Reid. Sometimes, the right pieces have to come together at the right time. The criticism of him are deserving, but what he’s done with lackluster rosters need to be recognized as well.

Tomlin’s legacy isn’t finished. I know it’s frustrating to watch the team stumble in January, but we have to be careful what we wish for. Consistency and leadership are rare in the NFL, and the Steelers have had both for nearly two decades.

So, before you join the “Fire Tomlin” crowd, consider this: If Andy Reid needed 21 years and Mahomes to win his first ring, maybe Tomlin deserves a little more grace. Playoff wins and championships aren’t easy to come by, but with Tomlin at the helm, I believe we’ll always have a shot.