Art 2 Wrote Me Back...No joke

[franco32]

I mentioned this in the "Spam the FO" thread, but I thought this needed it's own topic because it basically confirms no changes. Any tiny sliver of hope that he would change his mind about Coach T or entertain a trade are gone. Sucks.

He thanked me for the letter and said he shared my frustrations. It wasn't a form letter since he specifically referred to parts of my letter. He said we have NOT changed our standard.

He said Coach T, Omar, and everyone in the org know that winning a Lombardi is the goal. They are going to work as hard as possible to make it happen.

Coach T isn't going anywhere as we all thought.

[Orangesteel]

Damn. Cool story though!

[SteelerDayTrader]

Very cool.

My opinion of him is somewhat buttressed at minimum and in light of that something contemplicative reconsideration on some things is in order.

I will add this

All football coaches are pretty much the same

Including Tomlin

“Fixing” things on a larger level at least to some degree could be as simple as getting a better OC and DC and letting them have larger sway than previous intinerations

[DumlinBumlinStumlin]

So good to know now

The issue lies with Rooney’s underlings in the family getting involved

[LakecrestSteeler]

I mentioned this in the "Spam the FO" thread, but I thought this needed it's own topic because it basically confirms no changes. Any tiny sliver of hope that he would change his mind about Coach T or entertain a trade are gone. Sucks.

He thanked me for the letter and said he shared my frustrations. It wasn't a form letter since he specifically referred to parts of my letter. He said we have NOT changed our standard.

He said Coach T, Omar, and everyone in the org know that winning a Lombardi is the goal. They are going to work as hard as possible to make it happen.

Coach T isn't going anywhere as we all thought.

Thanks for posting. Gives me a bit of hope! Could have gone right to the 86 bin.

[tbsteel]

Nice! Still waiting for my response to this (although I'm sure it's still being investigated):

Dear Art Rooney II,

I hope this letter finds you in good health, or at least in a better mood than a certain coach of yours has left me in after the disastrous end to the 2024-2025 Pittsburgh Steelers season. I write to you today as a lifelong fan, deeply invested in the franchise’s future, but I cannot, in good conscience, remain silent any longer. The time has come to address the situation at hand—Mike Tomlin’s tenure as head coach—and the evidence is overwhelming that it's time for a change.

Let’s talk about that five-game losing streak to end the season. It was not just a five-game losing streak; it was a grand spectacle, a trainwreck of epic proportions that would have made the Titanic blush. You might be thinking, “It happens. Teams go through tough patches,” and yes, I agree. But it’s one thing to lose in a competitive fashion. It's another to lose in the fashion of a team that seems utterly directionless, without a clue as to how to fix what’s broken. And let’s be honest, Art—what’s broken is Tomlin.

Here we are, year after year, with no answer to the most glaring issue of all: the quarterback position. Ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired, it’s been like watching a blindfolded man trying to solve a Rubik’s cube. Sure, we’ve thrown in some young quarterbacks, but it’s as if Mike Tomlin believes that simply giving a quarterback a helmet and a jersey automatically transforms them into a Super Bowl contender. Spoiler alert: It doesn’t. Tomlin has shown zero ability to develop a quarterback into a franchise player. We’ve had so many quarterbacks rotate in and out of the starting position that I’m starting to think our quarterback room has become a revolving door with a “No Experience Needed” sign above it.

How many more years of mediocrity are we willing to endure before we finally admit that Tomlin’s “win-now” mentality doesn’t extend to the most important position on the field? The Steelers have been wandering in the quarterback wilderness since Ben left, and it’s time for a coach who can actually develop a quarterback to step in. Someone who doesn’t just shrug and go “Well, we’ll figure it out,” as if they’re watching a bad reality show where the plot makes no sense and the characters have no depth. Art, we need someone who actually has a clue.

Now, moving on to another major concern of mine, one that affects the running game, the offensive line, and my mental health. Najee Harris. I have to say it, Art—Najee is the slowest running back in NFL history. I mean, the man could be outrun by a glacier in the middle of winter. When I watch him run, it’s like watching a sloth race a tortoise in slow motion. He can’t even outrun his own offensive linemen, and let’s be honest, Art, those guys are not exactly track stars. At this rate, I’m considering suggesting that we change our offensive scheme to “two-yard gains and pray.”

Look, I get it—Najee is tough, and he’s got heart, but heart doesn’t outrun defenders who seem to be wearing jetpacks while Najee’s rocking a pair of ankle weights. We need to have an honest conversation about whether or not Najee is truly the solution at running back. And if we’re going to keep him around, we better invest in some additional speed on the field, because, right now, he’s running slower than my grandmother’s old Buick on a cold morning.

But there’s another issue, Art. A far more serious issue that I’m really concerned about, one that could affect the very air quality in the locker room. It’s come to my attention—through sources who may or may not be former employees of Pringles—that Mike Tomlin has developed a rather unusual hobby: farting in Pringles cans, duct-taping them shut, storing them for months, and then opening them up to inhale the “goodness.” You heard me correctly, Art. The man is basically creating his own little “fart collection,” which he then breathes in with the fervor of a man who’s just discovered the fountain of youth. I don’t know about you, but this doesn’t seem like the kind of behavior that fosters a healthy, productive environment for our players.

The smell alone must be toxic, Art. I don’t even know how to begin to imagine what the locker room must smell like after Tomlin has spent an hour or two indulging in his bizarre ritual. Is this really the atmosphere we want our players to be breathing in as they prepare for the next big game? I can only assume that Pringles’ marketing department would have a field day with this, but from a health standpoint, I’m deeply concerned. This can’t be allowed to continue. Please, Art, for the sake of our team’s air quality and the sanity of every person who works within a 10-foot radius of that locker room, we need a new approach.

Now, I know you’re a reasonable man, and I would be remiss if I didn’t address some of the more... unconventional rumors that have been circulating about Mike Tomlin’s extracurricular activities. I’m talking about the verified reports that Tomlin has been involved in a torrid three-way relationship with quarterback Russell Wilson and, wait for it, Jesus Christ. Yes, you read that correctly. Apparently, after games, Mike Tomlin, Russell Wilson, and Jesus have been spending an inordinate amount of time together in the showers, “scrubbing down” (their words, not mine) in what can only be described as an intensely flirty atmosphere.

Now, I’m not here to judge anyone’s personal relationships, Art, but when these rumors start to affect the team’s morale, that’s when we have a problem. I’ve heard from multiple sources that the late-night showers, with their prolonged scrubbing sessions, have become a major distraction in the locker room. Players have started to get concerned about the emotional dynamics in play—after all, Russell Wilson and Jesus are both incredibly charming, and I’m sure Tomlin’s romantic entanglement with them has added some unnecessary tension. It’s not that I’m against a little post-game bonding, but it’s hard to maintain focus when your head coach is spending all his time in steamy situations with a quarterback and the Son of God.

And let’s not even get into the rumors about what happens after the showers. The team’s chemistry is being tested, and it’s clear that these... unconventional interactions are not helping things. Art, the locker room is a place for players to bond, focus, and prepare for the game ahead, not a setting for a divine love triangle. We need Mike Tomlin to step up and take control, to be a leader, not a romantic figure caught in the middle of a biblical love affair.

In conclusion, Art, I implore you to take a hard look at the situation at hand. The Pittsburgh Steelers deserve better than what Mike Tomlin has provided over the last several seasons. We deserve a coach who can develop a quarterback, who understands that running backs need more speed than a tortoise, who doesn’t create an atmosphere of weirdness with Pringles cans, and who can keep his romantic entanglements out of the locker room.

I’m not asking for a miracle. I’m just asking for a coach who knows what he’s doing. And right now, I don’t think Mike Tomlin is that coach. Please, Art, consider making a change before the entire franchise goes from bad to worse. The fans—and the players—deserve it.

Sincerely,

A Concerned and Frustrated Steelers Fan

[zeke5123]

Doubt Art answered. Was almost certainly someone in PR.

[StillerInCT]

Doubt Art answered. Was almost certainly someone in PR.

Might not even be PR but AI.

[franco32]

Doubt Art answered. Was almost certainly someone in PR.

It's possible. But it did come directly from his email. It also referenced my letter and he used nicknames like "Coach T". Seemed pretty authentic.

[swissvale72]

Doubt Art answered. Was almost certainly someone in PR.

It's possible. But it did come directly from his email. It also referenced my letter and he used nicknames like "Coach T". Seemed pretty authentic.

I bet it was him. Not like he's so fuckin busy, he can't answer his own shit

[LakecrestSteeler]

Doubt Art answered. Was almost certainly someone in PR.

It's possible. But it did come directly from his email. It also referenced my letter and he used nicknames like "Coach T". Seemed pretty authentic.

I am guessing yours was only a paragraph or two and not like tbsteel's above? No offense TBSteel, but that will get the TLDR treatment from the staff I bet, even if it is all truth! TikTok has ruined this world!

[LakecrestSteeler]

I mentioned this in the "Spam the FO" thread, but I thought this needed it's own topic because it basically confirms no changes. Any tiny sliver of hope that he would change his mind about Coach T or entertain a trade are gone. Sucks.

He thanked me for the letter and said he shared my frustrations. It wasn't a form letter since he specifically referred to parts of my letter. He said we have NOT changed our standard.

He said Coach T, Omar, and everyone in the org know that winning a Lombardi is the goal. They are going to work as hard as possible to make it happen.

Coach T isn't going anywhere as we all thought.

I was thinking...you should have suggested they hire Ben Roethlisberger in the front office and put him above Tomlin, and let him be the "offensive strategist" for a term of 3-5 years, and give Ben 50% of the draft picks going forward, including the first pick each year. And allow him to restaff the offensive coaching ranks, and the ability to fire the OC.

Ben is kind of a dick, and I could see him setting goals and achieving what he set out to accomplish. He has done pretty well for himself...marriage, house and family all see pretty top notch and successful. He could definitely achieve success in such a focused role!

This is what we need if Tomlin sticks around!

[W&M_Steeler]

Doubt Art answered. Was almost certainly someone in PR.

It's possible. But it did come directly from his email. It also referenced my letter and he used nicknames like "Coach T". Seemed pretty authentic.

I am guessing yours was only a paragraph or two and not like tbsteel's above?

Tb probably included pictures of bloody diapers to illustrate his points

[W&M_Steeler]

I mentioned this in the "Spam the FO" thread, but I thought this needed it's own topic because it basically confirms no changes. Any tiny sliver of hope that he would change his mind about Coach T or entertain a trade are gone. Sucks.

He thanked me for the letter and said he shared my frustrations. It wasn't a form letter since he specifically referred to parts of my letter. He said we have NOT changed our standard.

He said Coach T, Omar, and everyone in the org know that winning a Lombardi is the goal. They are going to work as hard as possible to make it happen.

Coach T isn't going anywhere as we all thought.

I was thinking...you should have suggested they hire Ben Roethlisberger in the front office and put him above Tomlin, and let him be the "offensive strategist" for a term of 3-5 years, and give Ben 50% of the draft picks going forward, including the first pick each year. And allow him to restaff the offensive coaching ranks, and the ability to fire the OC.

Ben is kind of a dick, and I could see him setting goals and achieving what he set out to accomplish. He has done pretty well for himself...marriage, house and family all see pretty top notch and successful. He could definitely achieve success in such a focused role!

This is what we need if Tomlin sticks around!

That's a hilarious and great idea. I bet Tomlin would quit after a week if answering to Ben.

[franco32]

Doubt Art answered. Was almost certainly someone in PR.

It's possible. But it did come directly from his email. It also referenced my letter and he used nicknames like "Coach T". Seemed pretty authentic.

I am guessing yours was only a paragraph or two and not like tbsteel's above? No offense TBSteel, but that will get the TLDR treatment from the staff I bet, even if it is all truth! TikTok has ruined this world!

No, mine was long, but it was a little more respectful and I avoided sacrilegious references. I'm guess that's why I was more likely to get an answer from Art.

[LakecrestSteeler]

It's possible. But it did come directly from his email. It also referenced my letter and he used nicknames like "Coach T". Seemed pretty authentic.

I am guessing yours was only a paragraph or two and not like tbsteel's above? No offense TBSteel, but that will get the TLDR treatment from the staff I bet, even if it is all truth! TikTok has ruined this world!

No, mine was long, but it was a little more respectful and I avoided sacrilegious references. I'm guess that's why I was more likely to get an answer from Art.

I bet @Steelperch will get a reply too. He is always impressively concise in his writing on the board, unless he went dark and concise to Art II.

[SteelerDayTrader]

Doubt Art answered. Was almost certainly someone in PR.

It's possible. But it did come directly from his email. It also referenced my letter and he used nicknames like "Coach T". Seemed pretty authentic.

I bet it was him. Not like he's so fuckin busy, he can't answer his own shit

[SteelerDayTrader]

Usually

In some similar situations

Staff go through letters. At least some of them.

Then they decide which ones get to the top

However

If the top of the totem pole doesn’t typically get much email sometimes it is actually them at the first gate

[DumlinBumlinStumlin]

Usually

In some similar situations

Staff go through letters. At least some of them.

Then they decide which ones get to the top

However

If the top of the totem pole doesn’t typically get much email sometimes it is actually them at the first gate

so youre saying they know you well STD from past correspondances?

[Steelperch]

Your letter must’ve been too soft. He told me to fuck off.

[DumlinBumlinStumlin]

let see it man.

[Steelperch]

I will post a response here when I get it.

[swissvale72]

Sent from my iPhone


To: RooneyA@steelers.nfl.com
Subject: Steelers '25

Dear Mr. Rooney,

I'm writing to you as a lifelong Steeler fan, on the cusp of 70 years of age, whose bucket list includes only one item...another Steelers Super Bowl championship before I die.

I'm a Swissvale native, living behind enemy lines in New Hampshire for the past 45 years. I attended my first Steeler game in 1965, used to go to games by myself at Pitt Stadium as a 10 year old on $1 Youth Day Tickets. I was in the crowd at Three Rivers stadium for the Immaculate Reception and also witnessed Troy's Pick Six in the 08 Championship Game.

I met you postgame 10 years ago, after, ironically, the Steelers first round playoff loss to the Ravens. My coach at Swissvale High School was Bill Priatko, now the oldest living Steeler, and I accompanied Coach Priatko to the Steelers reception area postgame to talk with his good friend, Dick Lebeau. Coach Priatko and I still email on a weekly basis.

The purpose of my email to you though, Mr. Rooney, is to implore you to move on from Mike Tomlin as Head Coach. I understand that Coach Tomlin is a extraordinary leader of men, but as someone who never misses a steeler game, he's sorely lacking with his game day decision making, and appears to be stuck in another era with his offensive concepts. As was the case the last two times the Steelers made coaching changes, hiring Chuck Noll in 1969 and Bill Cowher in 1992, please bring in a younger coach, preferably a brilliant offensive mind.

Again, I just want another Super Bowl ring before I die. Thank you for listening, Mr. Rooney, and I await your response.

Best Regards,

[Havoc]

It's possible. But it did come directly from his email. It also referenced my letter and he used nicknames like "Coach T". Seemed pretty authentic.

I am guessing yours was only a paragraph or two and not like tbsteel's above? No offense TBSteel, but that will get the TLDR treatment from the staff I bet, even if it is all truth! TikTok has ruined this world!

No, mine was long, but it was a little more respectful and I avoided sacrilegious references. I'm guess that's why I was more likely to get an answer from Art.

I remember reading it Franco. It was well written.

[franco32]

Thanks. I wrote him back and essentially said we are disappointed. But, I told him to at least push for major change at the assistant level...and move away from a philosophy that minimizes schematics and only prioritizes execution.

I know I'm wasting my time, but I have to get this stuff off my chest with him. Maybe I should ask Art 2 to hire some of us on this board as scouts. Couldn't do worse than the last decade or so of drafts.