"The Fish Rots From The Head Down" aka Art Rooney II's Awful Leadership is THE Problem

[6Trophies]

"A fish rots from the head down" is a proverb meaning that organizational problems, failures, or corruption typically start with poor leadership, as the leader's behavior, decisions, and culture set the tone for the entire group, affecting everyone below them. If the top (the "head") is corrupt or dysfunctional, that decay spreads throughout the company, government, or team.

[6Trophies]

Adam Schefter drops Steelers bombshell that makes coach search look even worse
With Art Rooney II calling the shots, the Steelers' hiring process was doomed from the start.
By Tommy Jaggi

If you're disappointed the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't hire a promising up-and-coming coach like Rams' defensive coordinator Chris Shula or passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, you're not alone. The fanbase had no trouble letting their frustration out when they learned that Mike McCarthy was named as Mike Tomlin's replacement.

But we just found out that Shula and Scheelhaase might not have been in contention for the job anyway.

On Monday, NFL insider Adam Schefter joined The Pat McAfee Show, where he dropped a bombshell on Steelers fans with the finalists for Pittsburgh's head coaching job.

"The other two finalists [for the Pittsburgh Steelers head coaching job] were Anthony Weaver and Brian Flores. All three, including [Mike] McCarthy, were brought into Pittsburgh for interviews.

And I think if we go back to Art Rooney's press conference, when Mike Tomlin had stepped down, and he talked about the fact that he didn't want to rebuild and they've got a veteran team... They're not ready to shut it down and rebuild."

Schefter was adamant that the most important factor in the Steelers' decision to hire a head coach was that Art Rooney II had no interest in rebuilding. This was discouraging when fans heard it the first time in Rooney's press conference, and it stings just as bad now.

However, Schefter's nugget on the other two coaches under consideration for the head coaching job makes the whole hiring process look even worse.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were doomed from the start with Art Rooney II involved in the head coach hiring process.

If every Pittsburgh Steelers fan lined up their list of the top-three candidates they wanted the team to pursue to replace Mike Tomlin as head coach, I'm not sure if anyone would have had Mike McCarthy, Anthony Weaver, and Brian Flores.

Of the group, Flores offered the most intrigue. Though he would be a re-tread head coach due to his brief run as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, he's at least young and helped the Minnesota Vikings to an excellent defense in recent years.

However, these aren't the candidates most fans would have picked as finalists.

McCarthy has coached in the NFL for over 30 years, and at 62 years old, he's older than Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin were when they retired from coaching. In fact, before he even coaches his first game in 2026, McCarthy is older than any head coach to ever coach for the Steelers in their franchise history, which dates back to 1933.

Weaver, meanwhile, felt like an underwhelming candidate. The defensive-minded coach produced two bottom-10 defenses in three seasons as an NFL defensive coordinator of the Texans and Dolphins. The results simply weren't there, though the Steelers gushed over his leadership qualities.

If Schefter's comments are true, it means that Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase weren't serious contenders for the Steelers' head coaching job. This would explain why Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan didn't even wait until they were allowed to interview the Rams' assistant coaches in person before deciding to go with McCarthy.

This is on top of fans already feeling frustrated that the team had no reported interest in brilliant, young offensive minds like Seahawks' offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak or Jaguars' offensive coordinator Grant Udinski.

Quite frankly, the Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach hiring process felt doomed from the start.

Link: https://stillcurtain.com/adam-schefter- ... kfy0mg3q94

[6Trophies]

"We promote family values here. Almost as often as we promote family members."

[Stillchest]

This organization is easy to despise!!!!
Steelers fans are in a relationship that is no longer compatible nor fulfilling.

[6Trophies]

Back in February 2024, The NFL's 5 Worst Owners, According To The Players

Here's the 2nd worst owner in the NFL

2. Art Rooney II, Pittsburgh Steelers (F)

Steelers players love head coach Mike Tomlin, but the organization didn’t place higher than 16th in any of the 10 other categories. Rooney garnered their lowest ranking as the second-worst owner.

Pittsburgh’s locker room also received an F, as players would like to see “outdated lockers” replaced. A poor perceived treatment of family (F-) likely also plays into Rooney’s poor grade.

The Steelers are one of just four organizations that don’t provide either a family room or daycare.

“There is little confidence among respondents in the willingness of club owner Art Rooney ll to invest in a better workplace,” the report said.


https://thespun.com/nfl/the-nfls-5-wors ... he-players

[6Trophies]

Steelers owner and team president Art Rooney II cited Mike McCarthy's previous accomplishments as an NFL head coach and his ability to develop quarterbacks as the difference-making traits that led the organization to tab the 62-year-old Pittsburgh native as the franchise's next head coach.

"He is someone who has a longer track record than many of the other candidates, a winning track record," Rooney told the team website in his first public comments since the Steelers and McCarthy reached a verbal agreement Saturday. "He's been a winner everywhere he's been. Probably just as important for our purposes, the quarterbacks that he's worked with have all been very successful. So, he has a proven track record of developing top-flight quarterbacks. Those are the things that maybe stick out the most."

[CKSteeler]

I don't even have inside sources and I was saying all the crap the talking heads are saying in the immediate aftermath of Art II's initial press conference post-Tomlin.

Guy said the opinion the coach held of the roster would play a big part in the search. Said he didn't like rebuilds or see the need for it here. Said they had been contending. And topped it off with a line about wanting someone with "experience" doing what they needed.

For better or worse, Art II basically laid it all out for you dumb yinzers from the start.

I have to confess I allowed myself to have a glimmer of hope that they'd get wowed by one of the young guys and role the dice as they had done previously. That Art II would care more about the tradition they've had going with the head coaches.

But then the McCarthy shit kept filtering to the top and it was obvious. And by the time the hire was made it was painfully obvious as to why and I didn't need any "insider" to explain it to me.

[langer]

Will they re-hire Tom Moore and Dick LeBeau?

[Orangesteel]

Ben McAdoo

[anpsteel]

the problem with Art, is that he doesn't recognize that there is a problem and that he is the problem.

He thinks everything is fine, or possibly worse, he just doesn't care.


Here are the things that need to occur to remedy this situation.

1. Stop attending the games
2. Stop buying any merchandise
3. Be vocal about how shitty of a job he is doing

Financial and public pressure are the only available mechanisms to the fans.

Financial pressure may result in the other minority owners forcing Art to step down. There is no way Art can survive without significant financial support from the minority owners. That doesn't mean he couldn't find replacement owners, but it does create an issue- which he cannot personally resolve without outside assistance.

Anyway- it feels like Art just signed a 5 year commitment to mediocrity, and there is nothing that we can do about it-

Divorce is hard lol

[Steelafan77]

Sorry 6 the first thought went through my head….

[AirRescueFF]

Then it's all on him if the team doesn't win at least a playoff game. Because his assessment is basically that the team is right there with veterans and must win now, and that is the reason a veteran coach was needed.

Not saying it won't work, but as mentioned before, it really is putting all your eggs in one basket assessment.

[jebrick]

Adam Schefter drops Steelers bombshell that makes coach search look even worse
With Art Rooney II calling the shots, the Steelers' hiring process was doomed from the start.
By Tommy Jaggi

If you're disappointed the Pittsburgh Steelers didn't hire a promising up-and-coming coach like Rams' defensive coordinator Chris Shula or passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase, you're not alone. The fanbase had no trouble letting their frustration out when they learned that Mike McCarthy was named as Mike Tomlin's replacement.

But we just found out that Shula and Scheelhaase might not have been in contention for the job anyway.

On Monday, NFL insider Adam Schefter joined The Pat McAfee Show, where he dropped a bombshell on Steelers fans with the finalists for Pittsburgh's head coaching job.

"The other two finalists [for the Pittsburgh Steelers head coaching job] were Anthony Weaver and Brian Flores. All three, including [Mike] McCarthy, were brought into Pittsburgh for interviews.

And I think if we go back to Art Rooney's press conference, when Mike Tomlin had stepped down, and he talked about the fact that he didn't want to rebuild and they've got a veteran team... They're not ready to shut it down and rebuild."

Schefter was adamant that the most important factor in the Steelers' decision to hire a head coach was that Art Rooney II had no interest in rebuilding. This was discouraging when fans heard it the first time in Rooney's press conference, and it stings just as bad now.

However, Schefter's nugget on the other two coaches under consideration for the head coaching job makes the whole hiring process look even worse.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were doomed from the start with Art Rooney II involved in the head coach hiring process.

If every Pittsburgh Steelers fan lined up their list of the top-three candidates they wanted the team to pursue to replace Mike Tomlin as head coach, I'm not sure if anyone would have had Mike McCarthy, Anthony Weaver, and Brian Flores.

Of the group, Flores offered the most intrigue. Though he would be a re-tread head coach due to his brief run as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, he's at least young and helped the Minnesota Vikings to an excellent defense in recent years.

However, these aren't the candidates most fans would have picked as finalists.

McCarthy has coached in the NFL for over 30 years, and at 62 years old, he's older than Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Mike Tomlin were when they retired from coaching. In fact, before he even coaches his first game in 2026, McCarthy is older than any head coach to ever coach for the Steelers in their franchise history, which dates back to 1933.

Weaver, meanwhile, felt like an underwhelming candidate. The defensive-minded coach produced two bottom-10 defenses in three seasons as an NFL defensive coordinator of the Texans and Dolphins. The results simply weren't there, though the Steelers gushed over his leadership qualities.

If Schefter's comments are true, it means that Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase weren't serious contenders for the Steelers' head coaching job. This would explain why Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan didn't even wait until they were allowed to interview the Rams' assistant coaches in person before deciding to go with McCarthy.

This is on top of fans already feeling frustrated that the team had no reported interest in brilliant, young offensive minds like Seahawks' offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak or Jaguars' offensive coordinator Grant Udinski.

Quite frankly, the Pittsburgh Steelers' head coach hiring process felt doomed from the start.

Link: https://stillcurtain.com/adam-schefter- ... kfy0mg3q94

I do not think Flores and Weaver were serious considerations. THey were there to satisfy the Rooney Rule.

[AirRescueFF]

I don't even have inside sources and I was saying all the crap the talking heads are saying in the immediate aftermath of Art II's initial press conference post-Tomlin.

Guy said the opinion the coach held of the roster would play a big part in the search. Said he didn't like rebuilds or see the need for it here. Said they had been contending. And topped it off with a line about wanting someone with "experience" doing what they needed.

For better or worse, Art II basically laid it all out for you dumb yinzers from the start.

I have to confess I allowed myself to have a glimmer of hope that they'd get wowed by one of the young guys and role the dice as they had done previously. That Art II would care more about the tradition they've had going with the head coaches.

But then the McCarthy shit kept filtering to the top and it was obvious. And by the time the hire was made it was painfully obvious as to why and I didn't need any "insider" to explain it to me.

Screenshot_20260127_080316_X.jpg (75.28 KiB) Viewed 614 times

[CoolShades]

I do not think Flores and Weaver were serious considerations. THey were there to satisfy the Rooney Rule.

Let’s hope this is true.

Of the 3, McCarthy was the only choice.


I think this process also shows that Gerry Dulac is a fucking moron who is as useful as a cock-flavored lollipop.

Anytime I hear “Steelers insider” to describe someone, I know what I’m about to hear is either:

1) Steeler propaganda, massaged by their legal department to spin a narrative to benefit the Steelers.
2) complete bullshit, made up by the “Steelers insider” for clicks.

Dulac is a fucking joke. I’d rather listen to Kaboly laboring to breathe while sucking on Tomlin’s ball sack than listen to Dulac spew his garbage. (The worst interviews ever are Rich Eisen interviewing Dulac).

[.Kodiak]

We'll see how it works out, but this is just not the disaster people are making it out to be.

Deuce, for all his faults, correctly recognized the entire coaching staff was a dumpster fire. I also agree this roster is at least average talent, and one good draft away from contending.

A putrid coaching staff is an entirely different situation than Tomlin walked into. Nor is the talent what Cowher inherited. That's not a great situation to bring a young, unproven coach into. It's maybe asking way too much for a 1st time HC to reinvigorate the culture, build a staff, AND try to figure out how to win games.

This could arguably be viewed as a 3-yr deal for McCarthy. That wouldn't be awful. Rebuild the coaching staff and modernize the offense. Then MAYBE in 3 years you've got a good situation for a young upstart.


Not a long-term solution by any means. But maybe McCarthy IS the right guy for the next 2-3 years.

[W&M_Steeler]

We'll see how it works out, but this is just not the disaster people are making it out to be.

Deuce, for all his faults, correctly recognized the entire coaching staff was a dumpster fire. I also agree this roster is at least average talent, and one good draft away from contending.

A putrid coaching staff is an entirely different situation than Tomlin walked into. Nor is the talent what Cowher inherited. That's not a great situation to bring a young, unproven coach into. It's maybe asking way too much for a 1st time HC to reinvigorate the culture, build a staff, AND try to figure out how to win games.

This could arguably be viewed as a 3-yr deal for McCarthy. That wouldn't be awful. Rebuild the coaching staff and modernize the offense. Then MAYBE in 3 years you've got a good situation for a young upstart.


Not a long-term solution by any means. But maybe McCarthy IS the right guy for the next 2-3 years.

Good post. I agree and am willing to give McCarthy a chance. I think he was a pretty good coach his prior stops, and he might be able to put together a good staff. Hopefully he will have the gravitas to start the process of skewing the cap less towards defense. But if he's a disaster then at least he won't be a 19 year long disaster.

[CoolShades]

We'll see how it works out, but this is just not the disaster people are making it out to be.

Deuce, for all his faults, correctly recognized the entire coaching staff was a dumpster fire. I also agree this roster is at least average talent, and one good draft away from contending.

A putrid coaching staff is an entirely different situation than Tomlin walked into. Nor is the talent what Cowher inherited. That's not a great situation to bring a young, unproven coach into. It's maybe asking way too much for a 1st time HC to reinvigorate the culture, build a staff, AND try to figure out how to win games.

This could arguably be viewed as a 3-yr deal for McCarthy. That wouldn't be awful. Rebuild the coaching staff and modernize the offense. Then MAYBE in 3 years you've got a good situation for a young upstart.


Not a long-term solution by any means. But maybe McCarthy IS the right guy for the next 2-3 years.

I think this is accurate.

When Rooney said they were flushing the entire coaching staff, hiring a young, first-time HC would be a very risky decision to make, especially for an owner in his 70’s. Unlike the last 2 Rooney owners, Art the Lessor will not be getting a bust in Canton unless something drastic changes. The first Rooney not getting into the HOF has to be embarrassing for him.

The good news is, McCarthy WANTS this job. This is his dream job and it will be his last job in the NFL. He will do everything he can to be successful. Unlike someone without local ties, this job means everything to McCarthy and he wants to go down in Steelers history as a success, not a failure. He’s extremely motivated.

If he can build a great coaching staff, flush mediocre Mike’s NHALS participation culture, get rid of Tomlin sycophants and losers that looked at Tomlin like their buddy or surrogate daddy and start to rebuild the roster and culture, the team will be in a better place when it’s time for McCarthy to hand the team off to his successor.

I’m rooting for him and I am very happy that he is going to be on the sidelines and not mediocre Mike.

I also have low expectations, so If the Steelers go tits up and win 3-4 games, I’ll be delighted because I want Arch to be the next Steelers QB.

[AirRescueFF]

We'll see how it works out, but this is just not the disaster people are making it out to be.

Deuce, for all his faults, correctly recognized the entire coaching staff was a dumpster fire. I also agree this roster is at least average talent, and one good draft away from contending.

A putrid coaching staff is an entirely different situation than Tomlin walked into. Nor is the talent what Cowher inherited. That's not a great situation to bring a young, unproven coach into. It's maybe asking way too much for a 1st time HC to reinvigorate the culture, build a staff, AND try to figure out how to win games.

This could arguably be viewed as a 3-yr deal for McCarthy. That wouldn't be awful. Rebuild the coaching staff and modernize the offense. Then MAYBE in 3 years you've got a good situation for a young upstart.


Not a long-term solution by any means. But maybe McCarthy IS the right guy for the next 2-3 years.

I think this is accurate.

When Rooney said they were flushing the entire coaching staff, hiring a young, first-time HC would be a very risky decision to make, especially for an owner in his 70’s. Unlike the last 2 Rooney owners, Art the Lessor will not be getting a bust in Canton unless something drastic changes. The first Rooney not getting into the HOF has to be embarrassing for him.

The good news is, McCarthy WANTS this job. This is his dream job and it will be his last job in the NFL. He will do everything he can to be successful. Unlike someone without local ties, this job means everything to McCarthy and he wants to go down in Steelers history as a success, not a failure. He’s extremely motivated.

If he can build a great coaching staff, flush mediocre Mike’s NHALS participation culture, get rid of Tomlin sycophants and losers that looked at Tomlin like their buddy or surrogate daddy and start to rebuild the roster and culture, the team will be in a better place when it’s time for McCarthy to hand the team off to his successor.

I’m rooting for him and I am very happy that he is going to be on the sidelines and not mediocre Mike.

I also have low expectations, so If the Steelers go tits up and win 3-4 games, I’ll be delighted because I want Arch to be the next Steelers QB.

Right staff is key. Along with Rooney willing to pay for them and more of them if requested, as well as letting them do their jobs. Culture of real standards and accountability, especially with this "win now" focus of Art's. We've heard multiple times this season and recently how vets complained about others' efforts, commitment, and standards lacking.

[lifelongsteel]

I don't blame the Steelers for being in "win now" mode. There are approximately 31 teams that are in "win now" mode. Some of them are lucky enough to not be able to win now, thus earning top draft picks. (It was quite a blessing that Tomlin was able to get the Duck/Mason led Steelers to 8-8, thus missing out on their rightful chance for Joe Burrow)

You can point to the Pats if you want, but they were trying to win the past 2 years when they went 4-13.

[Dan Smith--BYU]

Given what New England did and even what the Bears did, the only alternative to win now is win in two years. No one has the patience for a long rebuild and the bullshit that some people talk about deliberately taking for a franchise QB and a magical OL just never works out.

[Gonzo]

two things above I think are key - in different ways

1. The statement that vets have complained about "others" efforts -- this is a problem not only that its said but IMHO the duplicity of those self-serving and disingenuous statements from some of those vets -- it creates a horrible situation that must be fixed somehow. This, again IMHO, is an under-reported/discussed Steeler current problem. Very poor leadership
2. I agree 100% that Zombie Art is fully concerned about his Rooney legacy and devoted to trying to fix it in short order -- NO playoff wins, NO success -- whether his fault, or Tomlins or both ... he wasted years bought into a Failed Plan. I am highly skeptical he and Khan will get it right based on past behaviors, but I dont disagree that this is what is currently driving him.

[6Trophies]

Welcome to...

[6Trophies]

And...

[StillerInCT]

I'm warming up to McCarthy a bit. He can really win me over by calling for a pass over the middle on the first play of next season. Then I'll know we've turned a corner.

[Gonzo]

i am not warming up to him because we know what he is and dont really care if he cries about being in Pittsburgh
but -- if we want to keep it positive
what we now have seemingly has to be better than what we had -- better offensive coach ... but to what degree
better was accomplished simply by wiping the staff slate clean and the related implication that what occurred was not good enough
the question now is - will mccarthy be allowed to really renovate the offense or will he be constrained by the Equation that generally results in 9-8.
I am unenthused so far by the assistant coaches we are seeing -- so far it seems to be mostly people McCarthy previously worked with - is comfortable with
but the roster moves are what I am more interested in - if any. he has to deal with the vets but am interested to see How he deals with them. And what do we do at WR/TE, RB and back-end of D
and most importantly, I pray to baby jesus in a tuxedo short that we DO NOT bring in some old vet QB or Malik WIllis ... especially I am 200% against bringing rodgers back. if they bring a vet to back-up a drafted rookie or Howard as a back-up ... OK ...but not as a starter.
I dont think Howard is the answer but am all for starting the season giving him a chance

[langer]

We have to remember that Coach Mike Tomlin isn't the coach of the Steelers, and he's basically disappeared.

This is enough for me.

[.Kodiak]

We have to remember that Coach Mike Tomlin isn't the coach of the Steelers, and he's basically disappeared.

This is enough for me.

Yes, baby steps.

McCarthy isn't a sacred cow with 19 years of non-losing seasons. If he really is MM2, then he should be canned within 3 years. Especially if Deuce thinks this is a playoff team, then presumably he won't give McCarthy more than 3 years to win a playoff game.

Anyway, "win now" completely contradicts when they hired Tomlin. That team was head-and-shoulders above where the current roster is, literally 1 year removed from a title and probably SHOULD have been a dynasty. And they hired a nobody, who turned out to be fraud.

I think Deuce is gaslighting the fans with this crap. He knows this team has gone backwards and has major problems. He didn't want to take a chance on another nobody that might sink this team down to Browns-levels. Deuce didn't hire McCarthy to win a title or even a playoff game, he hired him to stop the team's slide and stabilize the organization for the next guy.

[Stillerz Bar]

Deuce didn't hire McCarthy to win a title or even a playoff game, he hired him to stop the team's slide and stabilize the organization for the next guy.

Except the Steelers aren't in a slide and they're already stable. The problem is that they're stability for a decade has been 9-10 wins per season and a blowout playoff loss.

I'm not overly optimistic but am hoping Mike II figures out the QB situation in a way that doesn't involve using an old, past Super Bowl winner who can get us to NHALS but does nothing in the post season.

[.Kodiak]

Except the Steelers aren't in a slide and they're already stable.

"Stable" teams don't gut the entire coaching staff.

The Steelers are in the mediocre middle where 2/3 of the league lives. But the danger is sliding into that bottom 1/6th.