As the Chiefs and Eagles gear up for the Super Bowl, many Steelers fans are feeling the sting. Their cross-state rivals are back on the grand stage, while Kansas City is making its third straight appearance.
But perhaps the toughest pill to swallow is the stark reality of how far Pittsburgh is from being a true Super Bowl contender again.
The Steelers haven’t reached a Super Bowl since 2011—a far cry from the 2000s when they were perennial contenders. Despite having strong teams over the years, they’ve repeatedly fallen short, unable to take that final step.
Lately, the franchise’s once-high standards of competing for championships have faded into mere satisfaction with staying competitive.
So, what needs to change for Pittsburgh to reclaim its place among the NFL’s elite?
Step 1: Coaching philosophies need to change
The most critical change the Steelers need is in coaching. As the new season approaches, it seems unlikely that much will shift, but next year could serve as a final wake-up call for how the organization should proceed.
With Mike Tomlin’s job appearing secure, both he and the Rooneys must take a serious look at the evolution of modern football.
Offensively, the Steelers’ approach simply isn’t effective in today’s game. While establishing the run remains important, success requires efficiency in both the ground and air attacks. The NFL is a passing league, and striking the right balance is crucial.
If opponents focus on stopping the run, the Steelers must have a reliable passing game; if they defend against the pass, the team should be able to grind out wins on the ground. The ultimate goal should be maximizing points rather than relying on the defense to carry the team in low-scoring battles.
Defensively, the scheme has become predictable year after year. While Tomlin has influence over this unit, true dominance requires evolution. The defense lacks creativity—minimal blitzing, a straightforward defensive line approach that doesn’t confuse opposing protections, and a secondary that rarely disguises its coverages.
To reach an elite level, the Steelers must develop a more adaptable and versatile defense capable of countering various offensive strategies.
Both the offense and defense need a fresh perspective. While it’s difficult to envision these changes under Tomlin’s current leadership, if adjustments aren’t made, serious discussions should take place about either him adapting or the team moving on entirely.
Step 2: Find a franchise QB
The Steelers’ top priority must be securing a true franchise quarterback. Since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, the most crucial position in football has been a constant shuffle. It began with Mitch Trubisky as a temporary solution, only for the team to draft Kenny Pickett a month later.
Then came Russell Wilson, followed by Pickett’s trade after just two seasons, and shortly after, the addition of Justin Fields. In total, the Steelers have cycled through five starting quarterbacks since Big Ben retired in 2022—none of whom have established themselves as the long-term answer.
To compete for championships, a legitimate quarterback is essential, and right now, the Steelers don’t have one. That’s the first step in rebuilding this franchise. They can take a chance in this year’s weak QB draft class or wait until 2026, which is expected to be much stronger. The problem, however, is that Pittsburgh is rarely in a position to land a top-tier quarterback prospect.
Looking ahead, the Steelers must be more aggressive—whether that means trading up in the draft or making a bold move to secure their next franchise leader. With their core players aging, the window for success is narrowing. If they want to capitalize on what’s left, they need to find their quarterback—now.
Step 3: Create an environment where a young QB can thrive
One of the biggest factors in a quarterback’s success is the environment they step into. Nearly every elite QB in today’s game has benefited from the right resources—an offensive scheme suited to their strengths, a coaching staff skilled in developing young passers, and a supportive atmosphere that builds confidence through trust and positive reinforcement. Patience is also crucial, as adjusting to the NFL takes time.
For a rookie quarterback to thrive, a well-structured developmental plan must be in place. Kenny Pickett’s time in Pittsburgh is a clear example of what happens when that process is lacking—he entered a flawed system from the start, which ultimately led to his struggles and eventual departure. That should serve as a valuable lesson for the Steelers.
The bond between a quarterback and their head coach or offensive coordinator is essential. If the Steelers decide to draft another quarterback, they must first ensure they have a more competent offensive staff, a clear developmental strategy, and a system designed to maximize their new QB’s potential.
Step 4: Invest more money into the offense
The NFL is now a league driven by offense. While championship teams typically have a solid balance between offense and defense, having a strong offensive unit is essential to winning in today’s game. Currently, the Steelers allocate more money to their defense than any other team in the league, while their offensive spending ranks among the lowest. Though several factors contribute to this, it’s clear they need to shift more resources toward their offense.
This team needs additional playmakers and reinforcements on the offensive line. To keep up with the AFC’s high-powered offenses, they must invest in the talent necessary to compete—and in the NFL, that means being willing to spend.
If the Steelers make smart moves this offseason, a rookie quarterback could enter a much stronger situation, stepping into a roster built to support their development and success.
