Ben Roethlisberger endorses Mike Tomlin-Steelers breakup

Things are getting stranger in Pittsburgh by the day.

Two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger surprisingly supported the idea of the Steelers moving on from Mike Tomlin, addressing the matter on his “Footbahlin” podcast with guest Emmanuel Acho.

“It’s been talked around here a lot. Maybe it is time to clean the house. Maybe it is, and I like coach Tomlin. I have a lot of respect for coach Tomlin, but maybe it’s best for him too,” said Roethlisberg, who played for 15 seasons under Tomlin before retiring in 2021. 

“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.”

Tomlin, who has a 183-107-2 record as the Steelers’ head coach, has never had a losing season in Pittsburgh and won Super Bowl XLIII in 2009 with Roethlisberger under center.

Roethlisberger made these comments in response to Acho, who implored the Steelers to move on from Tomlin.

“Tomlin, he has to go because he’s not going to win another Super Bowl in Pittsburgh,” Acho said. “I believe the last time he was in a Super Bowl, James Jones was beating him in that Super Bowl 2011 in Dallas when the Packers played the Steelers. It’s been a long time since Mike Tomlin even sniffed the Super Bowl, let alone sniff multiple playoff wins.”

Tomlin has a career playoff record of 8-11 with the Steelers.

This comes as Steelers fans chanted “Fire Tomlin” as the team fell apart against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday in a 26-7 home loss that was a critical hit to their playoff hopes.

Roethlisberger suggesting that Tomlin go to Penn State may be a bit far-fetched, though.

Tomlin, who is in year two of a three-year extension he signed in 2024, had been asked previously about leaving the Steelers for college jobs, and he didn’t exactly sound open to the idea.

“Hey guys, I don’t have time for that speculation,” Tomlin told reporters in October 2021. “That’s a joke to me. I’ve got one of the best jobs in all of professional sport. Why would I have any interest in coaching college football? That will be the last time that I address it. And not only today, but moving forward.

“Never say never … but … never. Anybody got any more questions about college jobs? … There’s not a booster with a big enough blank check.”

make every NFL game pay off

Underdog is where football fans become winners.

• Easy player picks
• No season-long commitments
• Real prizes every single night

Use promo code NYPOST5 to get $50 in site credits when you play $5!

Must be 18+ (19+ in AL, NE; 19+ in CO for some games, 21+ in AZ and MAZ) and present in a state where Underdog operates. Concerned with your play? Call 1-800-GABMLER or visit http://www.ncpgambling.org. NY: Call the 24/7 HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369). New York Post receives revenue from affiliate and advertising partnerships for sharing this content and when you make a purchase. The Underdog promo code might vary by location.

The 6-6 Steelers are in danger of falling out of the playoffs and having a record below .500 for the first time in Tomlin’s 18-year history in Pittsburgh.

They face the Ravens on Sunday with first place in the AFC North on the line.