Former Steelers Legend Publicly Criticizes Omar Khan, Accusing “Disrespectful Leadership Scandal” That Shakes Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – January 20, 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering a rare period of transition in franchise history — and this time, the tremor isn’t coming from the field, but from accusations aimed directly at the top of the organization.

As the team closes the chapter on longtime head coach Mike Tomlin, a new controversy has erupted after a former Steelers player publicly raised concerns about internal issues involving general manager Omar Khan. The remarks have cast fresh doubt on past locker-room culture and sent ripples through Pittsburgh at a moment when stability matters most.

Appearing on the On My Soul podcast, former tight end Eric Ebron, alongside former running back Jaylen Samuels, spoke candidly about their time with the Steelers. It was Ebron’s comments, however, that proved most explosive — widely viewed as the strongest public criticism yet tied to Khan’s early involvement with the organization.

“We were in that building, working around Omar every day,” Ebron said. “And I’m just going to say it straight — not everyone respected him. Not because he’s a bad person, but because a lot of guys didn’t believe in how things were being run at that time. Decisions were made, voices were ignored, and over time that respect started to erode. I’m not saying this to shock anyone — I’m saying it because that was the real feeling among a lot of players while we were there.”

Those remarks quickly spread throughout Steelers Nation, landing at a particularly sensitive moment as team owner Art Rooney II prepares to make one of the most consequential decisions in franchise history — selecting the next head coach. The Steelers have had just three head coaches since 1969, making any challenge to leadership trust especially significant.

The article also provides crucial context: Ebron’s criticisms refer to the period before 2022, when Omar Khan had not yet officially assumed the general manager role. Since taking over, Khan has earned praise from much of the fan base for his roster construction, cap management, and commitment to organizational continuity.

Still, past perceptions are difficult to erase.

Ebron spent the 2020–2021 seasons in Pittsburgh, recording 68 receptions for 642 yards and seven touchdowns. His final season ended early due to injury, coinciding with the rise of rookie Pat Freiermuth and the team’s decision to move forward without Ebron. That sequence may have left unresolved tension — now resurfacing at a moment when the franchise feels most exposed.

For the Steelers, this is no longer about assigning blame. It is a test of leadership credibility, transparency, and the ability to confront lingering fractures as the organization turns the page.

Pittsburgh is stepping into a new era. And as voices from the past resurface with sharp edges, the franchise faces more than a coaching search — it must also protect the trust that has long defined its identity.