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Brian Batko's Steelers chat: 01.15.26
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Ryan
11:56
Brain does Kenneth Gainwell get resigned also any Mike Tomlin stories Go Steelers
Brian Batko
11:58
Hey Ryan. We'll see about Kenny G. I think there are a lot of moving pieces now, for everyone. No Tomlin almost certainly means no Aaron Rodgers (and Arthur Smith) and no Rodgers/Smith could mean Gainwell wants to go elsewhere. As for Tomlin stories ... that might be a good idea for an article.
The Ghost of Noll
12:00
There are a lot of good pieces on this team, so I'm not thinking a major rebuild is in order... is it reasonable to think that after a few upgrades through the draft and FA perhaps AR returns for another shot here?
Brian Batko
12:00
No, probably not.
Ghost of Tom Donahoe
12:00
Brian - how is the team of Omar and Andy viewed around the league. We seem to celebrate them here, but the resume is spotty. His drafts seem to have been solid in terms of finding good players, but seemingly no difference makers. Free agency seems to have been more of a fantasy football draft of bigger name players that have not worked out or underachieved.
Brian Batko
12:01
I think Omar Khan is a sharp guy and good at what he does. But you always have to take that with a grain of salt because of how involved Tomlin was in player personnel. And I have a high opinion of Andy Weidl, but I'm a bit surprised he hasn't gotten more interest around the league for GM interviews. Not sure what to make of that
Maryland Steeler
12:02
Be happy for 19 years! success is success and it was proven for 19 out of 19.  Was it time? Maybe.  Did Art Rooney still have confidence? Yes. Sports media is all about clicks.  Stay positive about the Steelers future, they are clearly an Iconic franchise, loyal, dedicated to the city and will make the right decisions.  Coaches, players, Owners get paid big money they will all be ok, so will you!
Brian Batko
12:03
Duly noted. And there goes our run on Ghosts. That sounded kind of like the Ghost of Mike Tomlin, honestly.
Hi Brian -
12:04
To be realistic about where they really are, should they approach Watt, Ramsey, DK, and Heyward and say look, the reality is we will not likely be real Super Bowl contenders (despite Art’s delusions) over the next few years.  This draft stinks for QB’s with 2027 having like 8-10 viable candidates.  FA only has one or two candidates.  Talk to you agents and go make a deal with another team that can meet your career goals to compete for a championship.  Find where you want to go, negotiate a new contract, and will be fair and transparent on what we want in return: 2027 draft capital.  Seems to me that would be the best outcome for everyone?
Brian Batko
12:06
I mean, it makes sense on paper. But it's antithetical to the Steeler Way. And pretty boring in the short term. On a related note, I would have no problem with the Steelers telling Cam and TJ that they'll do their best to find them an off ramp if that's what they want at this stage. It's too sentimental to say they owe those guys as much, but that's the way I'd operate.
$108 million guaranteed
12:06
Early in the year, it was noticeable that Watt was lining up in different positions, but that seemed to go away rather quickly. Was that a coaching decision or TJ push back? Just seems that teams have found ways to control him when he lines up opposite the right tackle on every down.
Brian Batko
12:06
In his/their defense, Alex Highsmith was playing so well that maybe that was a factor in not tinkering more. We've always looked at it through the lens of staying on one side working for TJ, but it was working for Highsmith this year, clearly.
Chipped Ham Sammich
12:08
ARII and Omar Khan will lead the search for a new head coach. Who else in the Steelers organization will assist with search and selection?
Brian Batko
12:10
I'd say it makes a lot of sense for Art II's son Dan to be heavily involved. And his presence at the press conference yesterday suggests he will be. After all, it'll be his team before too long. Andy Weidl has been in the league for a while and has connections all over. That, to me, is the brain trust right now.
Chill Dave
12:10
Bats, the photo editor has me liking the look of Scheelhaase : D.  Can you think of any HC's who were hired without any OC, DC, or STC experience?
Brian Batko
12:13
Zac Taylor in Cincy is one. He actually held the same kind of role under McVay as Nate Scheelhaase does now. So that's sort of interesting.  Brian Flores, too, actually.
SBaileyLandNC
12:13
I will truly miss all of the team's reporting if the PG really shuts down. But, I am betting things get sorted out. Who would GM Batko hire as coach?
Brian Batko
12:14
You, for such a nice comment. Bring your playbook.
SC Steeler
12:14
Hey Brian. Love your work and that of your PG colleagues…so I’m gonna switch gears away from the Tomlin story.  I’m a Western PA boy (old man).  Grew up in Beaver Falls but moved south in 1975 for work after college (PSU).  I have tried to stay in touch with Pittsburgh sports teams thru the PG newspaper and, as it became available, via subscription to PG online sources such as these chats, videos, etc.  I am concerned for all of you but I expect your collective talents will allow you to land on your feet somewhere.  I hope that whatever happens makes it possible for people like me to continue to get timely updates and expert analysis on the Steelers, Pens, and Pirates down here in South Carolina.
Brian Batko
12:16
As do I, SC Steeler. As do I. Engaging with you all had truly been the lifeblood of the job for me for the past 7 years (and if any of you were with me on Pitt football or even high schools before that!) - so thank you. That'll do it for today's chat, but I plan to be back in my usual Monday spot next week.
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