• Mark Madden believes Mike Sullivan's departure from the Penguins highlights the Steelers' questionable decision to retain Mike Tomlin.
• Madden views Sullivan as a superior coach compared to Tomlin and criticizes Tomlin's lack of playoff success since 2016.
• Madden suggests the Steelers' loyalty to Tomlin stems from a reluctance to fire coaches and Tomlin's positive image in the national media.

Mark Madden, in a 'Madden Monday' podcast, draws a comparison between the Pittsburgh Penguins' recent decision to part ways with head coach Mike Sullivan and the Pittsburgh Steelers' continued support for head coach Mike Tomlin. Madden suggests that the Penguins' action underscores the perceived absurdity of the Steelers maintaining Tomlin despite his lack of recent playoff success. He questions Tomlin's coaching abilities and suggests the Steelers' loyalty is rooted in tradition and Tomlin's media image.

• What: Mark Madden critiques the Steelers' decision to keep Mike Tomlin as head coach in light of Mike Sullivan's departure from the Penguins.
• Who: Key individuals: Mark Madden, Mike Sullivan, Mike Tomlin, Kyle Dubas, Art Rooney II. Key organizations: Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Steelers.
• When: Discussion occurred during a 'Madden Monday' podcast on May 5, 2025. Tomlin hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 postseason.
• Where: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (focusing on the city's sports teams).

The article presents a critical perspective on Mike Tomlin's position as head coach of the Steelers. Madden's analysis suggests that Tomlin's continued employment is not based on merit but rather on the Steelers' historical reluctance to fire coaches and Tomlin's favorable media image. The comparison to Mike Sullivan's departure from the Penguins, despite Sullivan's success, highlights the perceived discrepancy in how the two teams manage their coaching staff. The analysis also touches upon the challenges Sullivan may face coaching the Rangers, due to locker room issues. The significance lies in questioning the Steelers' long-term strategy and whether loyalty outweighs performance.

Sometimes the class needs a new professor, and sometimes the professor needs a new class.

I think that Kyle’s description of the Sullivan situation was right on. If anything, it reinforced my idea that Sullivan should have been out years earlier — probably when Dubas took the job (in 2023).

And the Penguins parting company with Sullivan just highlights how ludicrous it is that (the Steelers) keep Tomlin no matter what, because it’s a very similar situation and very similar resumes. Although, I look at Sullivan as twice the hockey coach that Mike Tomlin is a football coach. I think Tomlin has never been a good coach.

First and foremost, the Steelers just don’t fire their coach. Secondly, (Tomlin) has the national media absolutely buffaloed. … But there’s this pervading notion that if you win a championship, you should be employed for life. Your grace periods should go no longer than the next season, maybe not even then.

Madden's commentary raises questions about the Steelers' commitment to Mike Tomlin, suggesting that loyalty and media perception may be prioritized over performance. The comparison with the Penguins' decision to move on from Mike Sullivan highlights the different approaches to coaching management within Pittsburgh's sports teams. The future will reveal whether the Steelers' faith in Tomlin will be justified or if a change in leadership is necessary for the team to regain its championship form. The Ranger's success with newly acquired coach Mike Sullivan will be telling.