The Pittsburgh Steelers might be in for an offseason upheaval now that word has leaked that Ben Roethlisberger is "incredibly frustrated" with the offensive coaches and the state of the team's roster.
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Despite a 3-6 record, though, coach Mike Tomlin is not on the hot seat.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday's edition of NFL Network's "NFL Total Access Kickoff" that Tomlin is "safe for the 2014 season."
In a "what have you done for me lately" league, Tomlin is on pace for his first losing season to go with four AFC North crowns and a pair of Super Bowl appearances in seven years. He deserves the long leash customarily provided by the stable Rooney family at the head of the organization.
Tomlin's job security doesn't extent to the rest of the coaching staff or the team's aging stars, however.
According to Rapoport, there could be "significant turnover" to the offensive coaching staff and the defensive secondary. Veteran safeties Troy Polamalu and Ryan Clark have to play "incredibly well" in the final seven games to earn a chance to come back next season.
Although Polamalu is enjoying a Pro Bowl-caliber bounce-back season, he and Clark were exploited in coverage by Tom Brady as the Steelers surrendered franchise records in points and total yards two weeks ago.
Polamalu is scheduled to earn $8.25 million in the final year of his contract next season. If the Steelers opt to release him, that salary would count as $2.637million in dead money against the 2014 salary cap.
Although the spotlight has been on Roethlisberger and Tomlin, it's more likely that Polamalu and offensive coordinator Todd Haley take the fall for an inconsistent offense and an over-the-hill defense.
*The latest "Around The League Podcast" previewed the AFC playoff picture. *
