Steelers coaches ‘overruled’ when asking to bench Russell Wilson
The 2024 season for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback position was nothing short of a roller coaster, filled with dramatic twists, turns, and injuries that kept fans on the edge of their seats. From the early-season injury to Russell Wilson to the late-season struggles that prompted a vocal push for Justin Fields to reclaim the starting job, the quarterback situation was one of the most talked-about topics of the year. What unfolded in Pittsburgh was a classic case of what happens when a team fails to find stability at the most important position on the field.
The Steelers’ quarterback saga began when Russell Wilson, acquired in the offseason to bring veteran leadership to the team, suffered an injury very early in training camp. This unexpected setback forced the Steelers to turn to second-year quarterback Justin Fields, who had been added to the roster as a potential developmental player. Fields was thrust into the starting role, a position he hadn’t expected to take so soon, but he responded with a solid performance. Over his first six games, Fields led the Steelers to a 4-2 record, showing promise as he adjusted to the starting role. His mobility and playmaking ability helped the offense stay competitive, and it looked as though the Steelers had found their quarterback of the future.
However, when Wilson recovered from his injury, the Steelers quickly reinstated him as the starting quarterback, pushing Fields back to the bench. This move was met with some skepticism, but there was logic behind it. Wilson had a track record of success, and the team was winning games. In the early part of Wilson’s return, things seemed to click. He had a few solid performances, and the Steelers were consistently in the win column. But as the weeks wore on, Wilson’s performance began to deteriorate. Old habits reemerged, and he started taking unnecessary hits while holding onto the football far too long. His struggles were compounded by an inability to consistently move the ball downfield and make key decisions in critical moments.
The situation quickly became untenable. Fans and analysts were clamoring for a change, calling for Fields to be reinserted as the starter. Despite this growing chorus of criticism, the Steelers stuck with Wilson, and it was clear that the decision-makers were reluctant to make a change. According to NFL reporter Adam Caplan, sources within the Steelers’ coaching staff revealed that some coaches were actively pushing for Fields to be given the starting role again. However, those voices were overruled, and Wilson remained the starter.
Caplan did not specify which coaches were advocating for Fields, but it’s easy to surmise that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who had seen Fields perform well earlier in the season, was among them. Smith, known for his offensive acumen, would have likely recognized the struggles of Wilson and seen Fields as the better option moving forward. However, in the end, the final decision rested with head coach Mike Tomlin, who has built a reputation for micromanaging every aspect of the Steelers’ team. Tomlin’s control over the roster, coaching staff, and day-to-day operations has been a defining feature of his tenure, and in this case, it appears that he wasn’t ready to make a change at quarterback.
Tomlin’s unwillingness to make a midseason change may have cost the Steelers in the long run. While Wilson was undeniably struggling, the decision to leave him in the starting role over a player who had already demonstrated success was a risky one. The Steelers’ offense sputtered, and the team failed to generate enough momentum to contend for a playoff spot, ultimately leading to another disappointing season.
The quarterback controversy in Pittsburgh highlighted a major flaw in the Steelers’ approach: a lack of flexibility and willingness to adapt. In an era where teams are more likely to make bold changes in the face of adversity, the Steelers remained committed to their initial plan. Whether this was a result of Tomlin’s confidence in his veteran quarterback or a refusal to admit a mistake, it left the team without the spark it needed to turn around a season that was slipping away.
In the aftermath of the season, questions remain about the future of both Wilson and Fields in Pittsburgh. With Wilson under contract and the team needing to make a decision about how to proceed with their quarterback situation, the Steelers are at a crossroads. It’s clear that Tomlin’s power over the team will remain a key factor in how the organization handles this position moving forward. The question now is whether the Steelers will be willing to adjust their approach and embrace the youth and potential that Fields offers, or if they will continue to place their faith in Wilson as the team’s leader under center.