What's really going on in Pittsburgh?
Two-time Super Bowl champion Ben Roethlisberger had an odd suggestion this week regarding Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Could be an ideal candidate for the vacant Penn State job?
The former quarterback pushed forward the idea on the “Footbahlin” podcast during a conversation with guest Emmanuel Acho, wading directly into thep debate over Tomlin’s future in Pittsburgh.
“Maybe it is time to clean the house,” Roethlisberger said. “I have a lot of respect for coach Tomlin, but maybe it’s best for him too. Maybe a fresh start for him is what is best. Whether that is in the pros [or] 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.”
Ben Roethlisberger just floated a wild idea… Mike Tomlin to Penn State
— Adam Breneman (@AdamBreneman81) December 3, 2025
“Go be Penn State’s head coach. You know what he would do at Penn State? He’d probably go win national championships. Because he’s a great recruiter.”
Wild stuff pic.twitter.com/1r4kEDOJBM
Roethlisberger played 15 seasons under Tomlin, who owns a 189-113-2 record, including the playoffs. He also owns the NFL’s longest active streak without a losing season. But the calls for change have grown louder as the Steelers stumble toward a possible sub-.500 finish for the first time in Tomlin’s 18-year tenure. Fans chanted “Fire Tomlin” during Sunday’s 26-7 loss to Buffalo, a damaging blow to Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes.
Acho added fuel to the fire, arguing the franchise has plateaued in recent years.
“Tomlin, he has to go because he’s not going to win another Super Bowl in Pittsburgh,” Acho said. “It’s been a long time since he even sniffed the Super Bowl.”
While Roethlisberger’s Penn State suggestion appears unlikely, it would be unprecedented in the coaching ranks without a gap. Tomlin is in year two of a three-year extension signed in 2024, has consistently dismissed overtures about coaching in college.
“I’ve got one of the best jobs in all of professional sport,” Tomlin said in 2021. “Why would I have any interest in coaching college football? … Never say never, but never.”
The Steelers visit Baltimore on Sunday with first place in the AFC North on the line. At some point, Tomlin has to do what he can to reduce pressure. Will a downgrade to Happy Valley do that for him?
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