Mike Tomlin Hypes Steelers Defense As Potentially ‘Historic’ Unit

Mike Tomlin is not hiding his expectations for the 2025 Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense.

“We feel really good about the prospects of this group. We’ve got enough talent, we’ve got enough schematics to do big, big things. When I say big things, I’m talking about historic things,” Tomlin said on 102.5 WDVE, as transcribed by Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports.

That optimism comes just months after the Steelers surrendered a franchise-worst 299 rushing yards in a postseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Since then, Pittsburgh has made significant additions, signing veteran defensive backs Jalen Ramsey, Darius Slay and Juan Thornhill and drafting Derrick Harmon, Jack Sawyer and Yahya Black to bolster the front seven. These moves added to an already impressive core that includes T.J. Watt, Cam Heyward and Patrick Queen.

The revamped unit has impressed early in camp, with Ramsey showing versatility in multiple roles and recording an interception off Aaron Rodgers.

Wide receiver DK Metcalf offered high praise after facing them in practice, calling them the best defense he has ever seen, according to DeArdo.

Heyward’s ongoing “hold-in” over his contract looms as a potential challenge, as noted by Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. At 36, Heyward remains a key piece after earning All-Pro honors last season, but any absence or dip in performance could affect the group’s ceiling.

Tomlin has overseen dominant defenses before, from the 2008 Steelers that led the league in multiple categories to his early coaching days with the 2002 Buccaneers. This time, his words have raised the bar.

Whether the 2025 Steelers can meet that “historic” standard will depend on staying healthy, integrating new talent and avoiding the kind of breakdowns that ended last season.

The talent is in place — now it is about writing the story Tomlin envisions.

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