Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin fired back strongly at the “provocative” message from Jon Gruden – the former Super Bowl-winning coach with the Buccaneers:”Greatness doesn’t come from words, it comes from actions – the Steelers will prove that this Sunday.”

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – October 30, 2025

The atmosphere in Pittsburgh is heating up. After a viral post claimed the Steelers’ defense looked “lost” and hinted that former Raiders head coach Jon Gruden — who once led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title — could be a potential successor to Mike Tomlin, the veteran coach finally responded. And as expected, his words carried the same fire and authority that have defined his tenure.

The post, which showed Tomlin on the sideline in his trademark black-and-gold gear alongside the caption “Could bringing in Jon Gruden help steady the ship — and set him up as the future successor once Tomlin steps away?”, quickly ignited debate across Steelers Nation. With over 225,000 views, fans split into two camps — some calling for “a new voice,” while others fiercely defended the man who’s led the franchise for nearly two decades.

Tomlin, who has guided Pittsburgh since 2007, didn’t hold back when asked about Gruden’s “motivational jab” and the ongoing rumors about his future.

“I don’t have time for that kind of talk,” Tomlin said coolly. “Greatness isn’t about words — it’s about action. We’ll show the world what that looks like this Sunday.”

“If anyone thinks the Steelers have lost their way,” he added, his voice firm, “they’ll find out soon enough how wrong they are. This organization was built on pride, discipline, and the will to fight through anything.”

Currently, the Steelers sit at 4-3, in the middle of the AFC North, while the Indianapolis Colts lead the AFC with an impressive 7-1 record. That makes the upcoming Week 9 matchup one of the most anticipated games of the season — a true test against the league’s best, and a chance for Pittsburgh to prove they still belong among the elite.

“We’re not afraid of challenges,” Tomlin concluded. “The Colts are playing great football — that’s exactly why I want to face them. If you want to prove what you’re made of, you do it against the best.”

Even with Jon Gruden’s name lingering in conversations, Mike Tomlin remains the heartbeat of the Pittsburgh Steelers. And this Sunday, he intends to let his team’s play deliver the only message that matters — greatness speaks loudest through action.