Dan Orlovsky: Mike Tomlin Should Consider Leaving Steelers for Bears

Former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky has sparked debate by suggesting that Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin should consider leaving the team for the Chicago Bears. Orlovsky, now an ESPN analyst, made the comments on u201cFirst Take,u201d citing the Steelersu2019 inability to secure a top-tier quarterback as a key reason for Tomlin to explore new opportunities.

u201cShould Mike Tomlin entertain leaving the Steelers for the Bears? Sure,u201d Orlovsky said. u201cBecause you havenu2019t gotten me a quarterback. Now, do I think the Steelers should entertain trading Mike Tomlin? Because Iu2019ve seen that, obviously, in the conversations. I think thatu2019s the dumbest thing Iu2019ve heard in the NFL this season.u201d

Tomlin, who has been with the Steelers since 2007, has not won a playoff game since 2016. This drought has led to growing frustration among fans and team leadership. Steelers president Art Rooney II publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the teamu2019s postseason struggles last offseason, adding pressure on Tomlin to deliver results.

Despite the criticism, Tomlin remains a highly respected figure in Pittsburgh. He signed a three-year contract extension this summer, signaling mutual commitment between the coach and the organization. Tomlin also holds a no-trade clause in his contract, which would complicate any potential move to another team.

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles recently stated that the team is open to exploring all options to secure their next head coach, including trades. However, Tomlinu2019s loyalty to the Steelers and his current contract make such a scenario unlikely. u201cA trade also does not seem likely, as Tomlin is happy in Pittsburgh, and the Steelers seem happy with Tomlin coaching their team,u201d a source close to the situation said.

Tomlinu2019s tenure with the Steelers includes a Super Bowl victory in 2009 and consistent playoff appearances, but the lack of recent postseason success has fueled speculation about his future. Meanwhile, the Bears are in search of a proven leader to revitalize their franchise, which has struggled to find stability at the head coach position in recent years.

As the NFL offseason approaches, the debate over Tomlinu2019s future and the Bearsu2019 coaching search will likely intensify. For now, Tomlin remains focused on finishing the season strong with the Steelers, who are still in contention for a playoff spot despite recent challenges.