Mike Tomlin should ‘look into’ leaving Steelers: Ryan Clark

It may be best for both Mike Tomlin and the Steelers if they go their separate ways.

That’s according to former Steelers captain and ESPN personality Ryan Clark, who suggested to TMZ Sports that Tomlin explore other opportunities.

“Coach Tomlin should look into whether or not his voice is better suited somewhere else,” Clark said. “Whether or not the cachet that he will carry from what he’s done in Pittsburgh will help another locker room more than it’s helping the locker room in Pittsburgh.”

Tomlin has led the Steelers to a .500-or-better record in every season he’s been at the helm since taking over for Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher in 2007.

Clark, who played eight seasons with the Steelers and won a Super Bowl with the team next to safety Troy Polamalu, has been a longtime supporter of Tomlin and said that the Steelers should not fire him.

Instead, he wants to see Tomlin get a chance on another team, similar to how Andy Reid left the Eagles for the Chiefs after falling just short throughout his time in Philadelphia.

“Andy Reid’s voice seemed to have lost a little steam in Philadelphia that was picked up in Kansas City,” Clark added.

Previously, former Cowboys coach and current Fox Sports studio analyst Jimmy Johnson had speculated that Dallas should look into trading for Tomlin after they’ve moved on from Mike McCarthy.

The Steelers season ended with a 28-14 wild-card loss to the rival Ravens on Saturday night.

Star running back Najee Harris hinted after the game that media reports had caused issues in the locker room.

It was also reported that receiver George Pickens showed up late to the Christmas day loss against the Chiefs.

That defeat was part of a five-game losing streak that ended a season which started 10-3, with Tomlin earning praise for how he handled a tricky quarterback situation between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson.

Tomlin told reporters that they should “save their time” when asked about the potential of being traded to a different franchise.

“I understand the nature of what it is that we do, the attention and criticism that comes with it,” Tomlin said. “As a matter of fact, I embrace it, to be quite honest with you. I enjoy the urgency that comes with what I do and what we do.

“I don’t make excuses for failure. I own it, but I also feel like I’m capable, and so as long as I’m afforded an opportunity to do that, I will continue, but I certainly understand their frustrations, and probably more importantly than that, I share it because that’s how I’m wired.”

Tomlin has a career 183-107-2 record, having won Super Bowl XLIII, but he has not won a playoff game in eight years.