For the past few weeks, I have been reading many posts and many comments about how the Steelers need to fire Mike Tomlin. I, like many Steelers fans, was very frustrated at how the season turned out. It's easy to place blame on the head coach because ultimately every decision falls on his shoulders, and I can completely understand that. Pittsburgh has been a dominating force in the NFL for the longest time, so there are high expectations and when those expectations aren't meant, it's a let down.

I think people miss the big picture sometimes though. When you think about past Steelers coaches, you think of the four Lombardi's Chuck Noll's team brought back to the Steel City, and you think of Bill Cowher's discipline and emotion on and off the field. What none of us really don't think about are the numbers. Here are the records of all three coaches in their first six seasons.

Chuck Noll: 1-13; 5-9; 6-8; 11-3; 10-4; 10-3-1
-Three trips to the playoffs: two losses, one Super Bowl Win

Bill Cowher: 11-5; 9-7; 12-4; 11-5; 10-6; 11-5
-Six trips to the playoffs: six losses, including a loss at the Super Bowl

Mike Tomlin: 10-6; 12-4; 9-7; 12-4; 12-4; 8-8
-Four trips to the playoffs: three losses, one Super Bowl win

Tomlin came in right around the time where everyone was in their prime. Players get older, and players get injuries. There's no way around that. Having to bring in a third string after only one or two weeks getting reps with the first team squad isn't the greatest either. However, you have to work with what you have. Obviously, there were some bad head coaching decisions, and changes will need to made this off season. But to have him fired after ONE .500 season is just silly.