How Steelers’ Cam Heyward Reacted To ‘Fire Mike Tomlin’ Chants

Cam Heyward won’t let Mike Tomlin shoulder the criticism in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers took control of the AFC North with a seismic Week 14 win over the Baltimore Ravens, but Tomlin previously faced immense scrutiny after an ugly loss to the Buffalo Bills. Steelers fans chanted, “Fire Tomlin” at the NFL’s longest-tenured head coach, who can secure his 19th straight season without a losing record.

Heyward pointed the finger back at the team when addressing anti-Tomlin sentiments on an ESPN “SportsCenter” interview with Hannah Storm, which aired Sunday morning.

“I took it as a reflection on us as players,” Heyward said. “Cause Coach can only do so much. He prepares us for the game, but we have to execute.”

Heyward, who has played for Tomlin throughout his 15-year career, couldn’t believe those chants considering all the Super Bowl champion coach has accomplished in Pittsburgh. The All-Pro defensive tackle reiterated that it’s on the players to silence those calls.

“You hear that and you’re just like, ‘No. That can’t be real,” Heyward said. “He’s a hell of a coach. He does everything right. What he does for this organization goes beyond just this season. If anything, us as players have to answer that. And we got to keep answering that from here on out.”

The team captain insisted that Tomlin’s leadership continues to “100 percent” resonate with Steelers players.

“His voice reins throughout everybody in this locker room, and there’s a level of accountability in bringing up how we need to win these games,” Heyward said. “If you can’t gel with that, then you’re in the wrong business. I’ve heard of horror stories across this league. There are plenty of players and teams desperate for that accountability.

“If I can have that for the rest of my career, I think I’ve been with the best coach possible.”