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U mad, bro?: Steelers fans push back on my criticism of Mike Tomlin's contract extension | TribLIVE.com
Steelers/NFL

U mad, bro?: Steelers fans push back on my criticism of Mike Tomlin's contract extension

Tim Benz
Tim Benz

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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin reacts as he listens during a news conference in Pittsburgh on March 15, 2024.

Everybody is excited about the Pirates’ pitching situation. The Penguins haven’t had a chance to screw up anything yet this offseason.

And, as of now, Pittsburgh doesn’t have a WNBA team. So we’re a few steps removed from all the Caitlin Clark vitriol.

As a result, I was a little bit worried that this week’s “U mad, bro?” may not have the spice it usually does.

Then along comes news of a Mike Tomlin contract extension through 2027 after seven years without a playoff victory.

Manna … from … heaven

Suddenly, no need for extra buffalo sauce. Now this week’s “U mad, bro?” has turned into the print edition of Conan O’Brien’s appearance on “Hot Ones.”

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At least my social media feeds and inbox have. Here’s just an appetizer-sized portion.

Paulie G was, um, mildly annoyed at my column criticizing the decision to extend Mike Tomlin’s coaching contract with the Steelers.

“Tim, you’re a (expletive) blogger. And your opinion only resonates with other dolt Yinzers.”

I just checked your bio on X, Paulie. It says: “Show me a good loser and I’ll show you a loser.”

Yet you are throwing a hissy fit over criticism of a coach who hasn’t won a playoff game in seven years.

If you can’t see the irony in that, I can’t help you.

“Mrsas26” took offense to me referring to Tomlin’s record the last seven years as “mediocre” in that column.

“Next to the word ‘mediocrity’ in the dictionary is your ugly mug. You just can’t help being a (jerk) can you. There’s a term in the psychology profession called ‘Dunning Kruger.’ That’s you.”

There’s also a term in the psychology profession called “Stockholm syndrome.” It explains why hostages sometimes develop a bond with their captors — basically what happens between Steelers fanboys like yourself and the organization on a regular basis.

Somebody calling themselves “The Shetland Pony” seems to be equating my competency as a writer with whether or not he agrees with my opinion on Mike Tomlin.

Pony, part of my job as a columnist is to tell you things you may not want to hear. So it seems to me, I’m doing great!

Cyril thinks I’m too negative about the topic of the Steelers extending Tomlin.

Actually, based on at least one report, there is a price, and it is $19 million to $20 million per year.

Meanwhile, they’ve had zero playoff wins per year since 2017.

This person wants to alleviate Tomlin from blame when it come to anything after kickoff.

OK. So then why are they paying him $19 million if he “does very little that affects the games once they start.”

Seems like kind of a waste of a lot of money, to me, if that’s the case

I posted this poll after Tomlin got his contract extension.

Here’s how Phil replied.

Really? And who is going to be the QB when this miracle occurs?

OK, you know neither of them actually won a Super Bowl here, though, right?

Finally, this guy had a wonderful observation on how close that poll was.

Sometimes, there is a perfect tweet … and I have nothing to add.

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Actually, wait. Let’s stay consistent and stick with the tone of the day.

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Tim Benz is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Tim at tbenz@triblive.com or via X. All tweets could be reposted. All emails are subject to publication unless specified otherwise.

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Categories: Sports | Steelers/NFL | Breakfast With Benz | Tim Benz Columns
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