"It'll be a big mistake": Amid calls to fire Mike Tomlin, Cam Newton issues major warning to Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has come under scrutiny for their indifferent season. The veteran coach drew fire after the Steelers' disappointing 13-6 loss against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

The Steelers entered the Week 17 clash as favorites on the back of a three-game winning streak against a three-win Browns. However, the Steelers failed to get the job, handing division rivals the Baltimore Ravens, a lifeline in their postseason pursuit and surrendering a chance, for the time being, to secure the AFC North.

While Tomlin's role has been questioned following the loss, former NFL star Cam Newton defended the Super Bowl-winning coach, saying that Tomlin has become a victim of the high standards and expectations he has set for the franchise.

"The noise is loud because they've expected, or they've made the expectation so high that they are all they are their own victim of the situation," Newton said on ESPN’s First Take.

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"When you talk about John Harbaugh, he's created a standard in Baltimore that when it's not met, he's to blame. The same with Mike Tomlin. He set a standard of expectation so high in Pittsburgh that when it's not met, he's to blame..."

Newton also issued a warning to the Steelers, saying that firing Tomlin would be a "big mistake" as he will have plenty of suitors given his resume.

"I'm saying all that to say is to remind people that how great Mike Tomlin is, and he has been a victim of his own success," Newton said."Now, if you get rid of him, it'll be a big mistake, because before he could even clear out his desk in Pittsburgh, he will have a job guaranteed."

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin could make history with win against Ravens

Mike Tomlin has 192 wins as a coach, all coming with the Steelers in his 19-year tenure. His 192 wins are the second most by a Steelers coach in franchise history, behind the legendary Chuck Noll's 193.

The veteran coach would be eyeing to equal the tally when they take on divisional rivals the Baltimore Ravens in their final game of the season in Week 18.

A win will not only tie him with Noll for most wins in franchise history but will also clinch the division for the Steelers, while ending the Ravens' postseason hopes.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash