In the world of the National Football League (NFL), the Mike Tomlin story is one of both triumph and turmoil. As the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Tomlin has guided the team through a tumultuous period marked by historic playoff losses and a prolonged drought of playoff victories. As of January 13, 2026, Tomlin's playoff record stands at a stark 8-12, reflecting the team's struggles in the postseason.
The Steelers' last playoff win came in the 2016 season, when they defeated the Miami Dolphins 30-12 in the Wild Card round on January 8, 2017. Since then, the Steelers have embarked on a winless streak that has become one of the most talked-about narratives in the NFL. Tomlin's playoff woes have been particularly pronounced, with a six-game playoff losing streak that has left the team and its fans eager for a turnaround.
Tomlin's playoff record is further complicated by his comparison to other coaches in the league. Notably, he has tied an unfortunate NFL playoff record previously held by Marvin Lewis. Marvin Lewis, the former head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, is known for his inconsistent playoff success, and Tomlin's recent performance has drawn parallels to Lewis's tenure. This record is not one that any coach would want to be associated with, and it highlights the challenges that Tomlin has faced in leading the Steelers to postseason success.
Despite the current struggles, it is important to note that Tomlin has had his fair share of successes in the NFL. Since taking over the Steelers in 2007, he has led the team to thirteen playoff appearances, eight division titles, three AFC Championship Games, and two Super Bowl appearances. His overall coaching record with the Steelers stands at 183-107-2 in the regular season, showcasing his ability to build a competitive team year after year. However, the playoff record remains a significant blemish on an otherwise impressive resume.
The Steelers' fans and front office are likely hoping that Tomlin can break this losing streak and lead the team back to the playoffs with some wins. As the team looks ahead, the focus will be on how Tomlin can turn around the postseason fortunes and bring the Steelers back to their winning ways. The weight of the playoff record and the comparisons to Marvin Lewis will continue to be a topic of discussion as Tomlin seeks to rewrite his postseason narrative.
