Mike Tomlin having multiple Super Bowls experience vs a lack of recent playoff results.

What’s more important and why?

To answer this I asked ChatGPT to break down both sides of the argument and then determine which is more important today.

1. Multiple Super Bowl Experience

Having coached in two Super Bowls and won one shows Tomlin knows how to navigate the long, difficult road through the regular season and playoffs to reach the NFL’s biggest stage. This experience is rare and invaluable because it demonstrates:

•Proven ability in high-pressure moments: Tomlin’s been there before and succeeded when it mattered most.
•Leadership during key playoff runs: Few coaches can claim they’ve led teams through multiple deep postseason runs, and that experience means he knows what it takes to get there.
•Credibility with players: Players respond to coaches who have “been in the fire” and can speak from experience about winning at the highest level. Tomlin has that credibility.

The Steelers are one of the most successful franchises because of their ability to field teams that are always competitive. Tomlin’s experience in Super Bowls directly supports the Steelers’ long-term philosophy of always aiming for championships, not short-term success.

2. Playoff Results Over the Last 8 Years

Since the Steelers’ last Super Bowl appearance in 2010, Tomlin has only won three playoff games, and over the last eight years, they’ve had mixed postseason success:

•Missed playoffs entirely in 2018, 2019, and 2020.
•One-and-done appearances in 2017, 2021, and 2022.
•The Steelers haven’t advanced beyond the Divisional Round since 2016.

This lack of playoff success raises questions about whether Tomlin can get the team over the hump again. Critics argue that:

•Sustained playoff success matters more now than past Super Bowl experience. Winning regular season games is important, but it doesn’t matter if the team consistently exits early in the postseason.
•The NFL has changed: The league is faster, more offensive-minded, and highly competitive. What worked in Tomlin’s early years may not be as effective today, and critics wonder if his style has adapted enough.