The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of one of the worst drouts in franchise history. Sure, they have made it to the postseason in each of the last three seasons, but they’ve lost their three playoff games by a combined score of 89-37. Nine years without a playoff win marks the most in franchise history, and their seven consecutive playoff losses are just two behind the Detroit Lions from 1991-2016 for the most in NFL history.
All of these factors have added up and put Team President Art Rooney II under a microscope, with many believing it’s time for him to step aside and hand the keys to his son, Dan. One of those who is especially critical of Rooney is ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who went scorched Earth on the Steelers’ President.
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“You go out and get a coach that’s considered a lateral move who, by the way, is 27 years older than the previous coaches that you hired when you hired them, giving an infusion to the Steeler Nation and the Steelers fanbase,” Smith said on First Take, via Chris Ward of Steelers Now. “I’m just looking at this man here, I’m talking about Art Rooney and the quotes. You’ve given the Pittsburgh Steeler fanbase nothing to be excited about.”
Smith continued, taking what some perceived as a low blow, saying that Rooney II is a Rooney in name only.
“You’re a Rooney, but you ain’t them because your record proves you ain’t them,” Smith said.
The hiring of Mike McCarthy has fans concerned about the direction of the team, as the Steelers opted not to hire a younger coach to lead this new era. Should the Steelers go yet another season without a playoff win, the criticism will only grow louder.
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