Steelers Shocker: Pat Meyer Safe at Helm of Offensive Line Despite Struggles
The Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be at a crossroads with how they move forward, given their late-season slump. The firing of former Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada and the hiring of Arthur Smith had led to some big expectations for 2024. They had invested heavily in the offensive line over the past few drafts, brought new veteran quarterbacks on board, and even added to their talented defense. Regardless, the results in 2024 were the same as in 2023. The team went 10-7 and again lost in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
Much of the fan base wants Head Coach Mike Tomlin fired. They believe every other coaching position has had turnover at some point during his 18-season tenure, yet the success has not been there recently. Tomlin has often been highly touted for his non-losing seasons. However, that does not carry the weight it used to, and there is even talk that Tomlin should recuse himself.
Ray Fittipaldo from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette recently joined The PM Team with Poni and Mueller on 93.7 The Fan, and he said he doesn’t expect the team to make the changes the fans seem to want. That means he doesn’t believe Tomlin will leave, and frankly, Tomlin has said as much himself, but he also doesn’t believe Smith or Teryl Austin will go. He admitted he doesn’t know every position coach’s contract situation, but doesn’t see anyone under contract leaving. That includes the team’s two most predicted scapegoats: Austin and Offensive Line Coach Pat Meyer.
“I haven’t heard that they would be willing to get rid of somebody who’s under contract next year,” explained Fittipaldo. “I know Pat Meyer has a year left. Meyer is under contract. Yeah, again I don’t get that sense. Things could change; Mike could change his mind, but I don’t get the sense that they are gonna make a change there.”
Meyer has been with Pittsburgh since 2022 and has had mixed reviews. Before the end of the season slump, some praised Meyer for helping to improve the line. The Steelers invested heavily in that room with two first-round draft picks, a second-round pick, and the signing of some solid veteran players. However, they just do not seem to be making the progress one would expect, especially not Broderick Jones, who appeared to take a step back in 2024.
However, it is impossible to ignore the injuries that the group sustained this season. They lost 2024 first-round tackle Troy Fautanu very early in the season as well as starting center Nate Herbig. Arguably, one of their most consistent linemen, James Daniels, went down with a season-ending Achilles tear in Week 4. While Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick did an admirable job filling in, it was a lot of upheaval for a group that relies on cohesiveness.
Steelers Fans Are More Upset Than Ever
Fittipaldo was asked if he can recall ever seeing the fan base this frustrated. He said that he has been reporting on the Steelers since 2012 and has never seen it this negative. He told listeners that the closest he could recall was the devastating 2017 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fans were also outraged and heartbroken when they started 0-4 in 2013, but they turned it around the next season and made the playoffs (although they lost). The attitude in the city is as bad as he can remember.
The last time Pittsburgh won a playoff game was when they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, pre-Patrick Mahomes, at the end of the 2016 season. Since then, they have made the playoffs five times and lost each contest.
He said that he had never heard this many fans calling for Tomlin’s job, and this year, there are more fans upset with ownership and their lack of response to the losses.
