'Words Are Cheap,' Mike Tomlin Gives Message to Steelers Fans in Video After NFL Playoff Exit

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin didn't offer any verbal reasoning for what went wrong during his team's 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card game.

Asked after the loss about his message to Steelers fans, Tomlin replied that "words are cheap" and ultimately it's "about what you do or you don't do" on the field that matters.

This was a competitive game, at least by the score, entering the fourth quarter with Houston clinging to a 7-6 lead. The wheels fell off for the Steelers in the final period, including giving up two defensive touchdowns to the Texans.

▶️ Full Texans-Steelers Recap

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Despite the close score through three quarters, the Steelers were outclassed for the entire game. They were outgained by 233 yards (408 to 175) and average just 3.1 yards per play on offense. Houston, by comparison, averaged 6.2 yards per play.

Frustration for Steelers fans has been bubbling for some time. This was the team's sixth consecutive playoff loss dating back to the 2016 Divisional Round, with the last five coming by an average of 16.8 points.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Jan. 4 that the "feeling" is Tomlin will be back with the Steelers in 2026. Fox Sports' Jay Glazer added the organization will likely let Tomlin decide if he wants to remain in his current position.

Tomlin continues to maintain a level of success during the regular season. This was his 19th consecutive non-losing season as Steelers head coach, but the ceiling for the team has been low based on the playoff results over the six years.

There is nothing in the Steelers' modus operandi as an organization to suggest Tomlin will lose his job, so any decision to make a change would likely have to come from the 53-year-old wanting to try something new.