Changes are coming in the Steelers organization.
After an embarrassing playoff loss to the Jaguars at Heinz Field, where Pittsburgh found itself down 21-0 in the first quarter, that shouldn’t be surprising, and coach Mike Tomlin didn’t shy away from the topic in his season-ending press conference Tuesday.
Mike Tomlin: "extremely appreciative of these players and coaches...I'm appreciative of the support that we get. The fans. The city." #Steelers #WPXI
— Alby Oxenreiter (@albyox) January 16, 2018
"We didn't play winning football (on Sunday), and there are consequences for that,” he said.
No personnel decisions were announced, although Tomlin said he assumes franchise quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will return for his 15th season.
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However, contracts for some key pieces of the team were up at the end of the season, including All-Pro running back Le’Veon Bell and offensive coordinator Todd Haley. It’s not yet clear if they’ll both be back.
“We understand that some of us are going to be on this journey and some of us are not,” Tomlin said. "Some conversations need to be had ... I'm not ready to discuss that at this point."
Tomlin’s assessment of the playoff loss to Jacksonville was blunt.
"Very disappointing end to an outstanding season," he said. "How we end this is critical in terms of how we begin the next one."
He said he wasn’t concerned about the perception that the Steelers were looking past the Jaguars to traditional playoff nemesis New England.
"I can't worry about those things,” he said.
Mike Tomlin on continuing to play for Dan Rooney: "we cannot win enough games to pay tribute to that man." #Steelers #WPXI
— Alby Oxenreiter (@albyox) January 16, 2018
He also offered an update of sorts on injured linebacker Ryan Shazier, who is still recovering from a severe spine injury he suffered during a game in late December.
"Nothing's changed there. He's fighting and fighting every day,” Tomlin said.
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