The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a wave of criticism and calls for a coaching change following their disappointing back-to-back losses. The team's recent defeat against the New England Patriots has made history of the wrong kind for the Steelers, and their struggles have prompted discussions on the future of head coach Mike Tomlin.

On Thursday night, the Steelers faltered against the Patriots, losing 21-18 and becoming the first team with a winning record to drop consecutive games to opponents with a losing record of at least eight games below .500. This loss, combined with their defeat against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 13, has dealt a significant blow to their playoff aspirations.

Critics have been quick to point fingers at Tomlin, who has been at the helm of the Steelers for 17 seasons. Andrew Fillipponi, co-host of "The PM Show" on Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan, expressed his frustration on social media, calling it the "worst 2 game stretch of the Mike Tomlin era" and suggesting that it may be time for the team to part ways with the coach.

Fillipponi even proposed a scenario where the Steelers have a conversation with Tomlin, exploring his desires, informing him that a contract extension is not on the table, allowing him to interview with other teams, and ultimately trading him away to start afresh. Fillipponi's sentiment reflects the growing dissatisfaction among fans and media personalities alike.

While Tomlin has had a successful tenure with a record of 170-99-2 and a Super Bowl appearance in 2009, the team's recent struggles in the postseason have raised concerns. The Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016 when they fell to the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. With playoff hopes becoming increasingly uncertain, the pressure on Tomlin to deliver postseason success is mounting.

The Steelers' loss to the Patriots highlighted their offensive struggles as they fell behind early in the game. Backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky filled in for the injured Kenny Pickett but couldn't find his rhythm, leaving the team trailing 21-3. The crowd at Acrisure Stadium even resorted to chanting for third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph.

Following the defeat, Trubisky took responsibility for his performance, acknowledging that he let down his teammates and expressing disappointment in his own play. His willingness to accept accountability reflects the team's collective sentiment as they grapple with their recent string of losses.

The Steelers now find themselves at 7-6 and have dropped from the fifth spot in the AFC standings to eighth, making their path to the playoffs much more challenging. With their postseason hopes hanging in the balance, Tomlin remains determined, stating, "Obviously, this stings, but we'll be back."

However, the discontent among Fillipponi and others at Pittsburgh's 93.7 The Fan is palpable. Dorin Dickerson, former NFL tight end and co-host of "The Fan Morning Show," criticized Tomlin's inability to bounce back from consecutive losses and suggested that he has lost the trust and support of his players.

As the debate rages on, the future seems uncertain for Tomlin and the Steelers. The once-loyal fans are divided, with some questioning his ability to lead the team to success in the postseason. As the team searches for answers to revive their playoff aspirations, the calls for change continue to grow louder, leaving an uncertain future for Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers.