The Pittsburgh Steelers remain one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, though recent years haven’t matched the success of their storied past.
The team is currently on an eight-year drought without a playoff victory, and despite a reluctance to make sweeping changes, a major shift could be on the horizon.
Head coach Mike Tomlin has led the Steelers with remarkable consistency, guiding the team to 21 straight non-losing seasons.
However, Pittsburgh has only reached the AFC Championship Game once since 2011 and hasn’t won a Super Bowl since 2008.
Although the team’s struggles in the postseason have led some to call for a coaching change, the franchise continues to back Tomlin.
That said, a more significant change might be approaching—not on the sidelines, but at the top of the organization.
According to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, a change in ownership is likely within the next five years, with Dan Rooney expected to assume control from his father.
Art Rooney II, who turns 73 in September, became team president in 2003. He acquired a 30% ownership stake in 2009 and became the majority owner in 2017, as reported by NFL.com.
Despite a front office shift in 2022—when Omar Khan replaced Kevin Colbert as general manager—the team has yet to return to the AFC Championship Game.
While Art Rooney II remains actively involved, the path appears set for a transition in leadership.
Daniel Martin Rooney has been playing an increasingly prominent role within the organization, preparing to succeed his father.
If the transition happens, he would continue the Rooney family legacy, following Art Rooney II and Hall of Fame owner Dan Rooney before him.
