Mike Tomlin Won't Call Plays for Steelers Defense, 'Not on the Table Today'

After back-to-back losses, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin isn't looking to shake things up just yet.

When asked about the possibility of taking over the defensive play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, Tomlin told reporters on Tuesday that "it's not on the table today."

The Steelers had their three-game win streak snapped in a 33-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football in Week 7 and lost again in primetime 35-25 to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football.

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Both losses raised concerns about Pittsburgh's defense, as 40-year-old quarterback Joe Flacco turned back the clock with 342 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Bengals to victory, and Packers quarterback Jordan Love had 20 straight completions at one point on his way to finishing with 360 yards and three scores.

Still, Tomlin maintained his confidence in Austin, who has been the defensive coordinator for the Steelers since 2022.

"I've known Teryl a long time. He's very capable. He's very thorough," Tomlin told reporters. "I've largely been pleased with his work, but certainly he and I are not pleased with where we are right now from a defensive unit perspective, and so we're just going to keep working."

The Steelers will try to end their skid when they return to action on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, who have the best record in the league at 7-1.