That’s not the situation anymore. Even though he took over ownership a while ago, he appeared to have grown tired with the Steelers’ inability to make the playoffs. Given that the Steelers treasured history and had always done things the same way, he felt compelled to change the status quo.When Patrick Peterson and Darnell Washington first requested jersey numbers, they had to learn that lesson the hard way.

The Steelers informed Peterson that his number seven was no longer in use when he requested it. Darnell Washington requested his number from college. In response, the Steelers’ management said, “No, you get traditional jersey numbering like everyone else.”The Steelers were able to consistently make the playoffs because they were able to locate free players at a low cost. Nor did they dismiss assistant coaches in the middle of the season.

The Steelers have a clear directive as a result of Mr. Rooney’s frustration with the team’s lack of postseason success. It’s not business as usual this season. The team has demonstrated commitment to realizing owner Steve Wynn’s dream of a Steelers squad that is once again accustomed to winning in the postseason under Omar Khan’s leadership. Fans of the Steelers should feel hopeful and excited about this newfound emphasis on achievement.

What has changed with the Pittsburgh Steelers recently?

Late in 2023, when the Steelers lost badly to a rookie backup quarterback leading the Cleveland Browns, Mr. Rooney seemed to feel the need to sever some ties with the past. Even though the Steelers offensive was ineffective the entire time, something had to give. It used to seem sacrilegious to fire an offensive coordinator in the middle of the season. Not any longer. The following day, Matt Canada was fired by the Steelers.

Both Mike Tomlin and Art Rooney II claimed to have made the decision to carry out the deed. Although it is commendable that the owner and head coach are cooperating, Mr. Rooney has played a significant role in pointing out the exit to Matt Canada. Then, at the conclusion of the season, he made a statement stating that the Steelers needed to experience fresh postseason success. Omar Khan is committed to meet Mr. Rooney’s request in a way that disrupts Steelers routine because he has taken this assignment personally.

Only Omar Khan was able to sign linebacker Patrick Queen to a big contract—something the Steelers generally do not do in free agency—while also adding guys to the roster in the traditional frugal Steelers ways, including Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Then, even more tradition was lost with his signature. Patrick Queen asked for number 6. It’s not the standard linebacker number that the Steelers assign. Nevertheless, the Steelers concurred.As far as business as usual goes, Patrick Queen succeeded where Darnell Washington failed.

After just two seasons, Omar Khan quickly sent Kenney Pickett packing. Even if, in the end, he didn’t seem like a team player, the statement nonetheless conveyed that the Steelers will carry out Mr. Rooney’s orders and make every effort to get to the postseason.

He wins if these adjustments are successful because he forced the head coach and general manager of the Steelers to make the difficult choices that were necessary to turn the team around. If they don’t work out, some could wonder if Mr. Rooney went too far in his desire for another championship. Fans should, however, be thrilled with the way things are going.