Justin Fields’ benching at the hands of HC Mike Tomlin created one of the biggest “what if” scenarios for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 2024 season—but the former Steelers QB didn’t let it bother him.

According to Fields, who spoke Wednesday during media availability with the New York Jets, Tomlin’s decision was one he accepted without pushback:

“Coach Tomlin made a decision he thought was best for the team, and I’m never going to go against that,” Fields stated. “That’s one thing I’ve learned over the years—not to take anything personal. At the end of the day, I was just excited about what the Jets had going on over here with [Aaron Glenn] and with the coaching staff.”

Despite not directly comparing the two head coaches, it’s clear from Fields’ statement that if Glenn pulled him away from the Steelers, Tomlin wasn’t enough for him to stay.

If Fields truly means the benching had no bearing on his decision to leave Pittsburgh, then it makes complete sense that his preference for Glenn and the Jets’ coaching staff was the deciding factor. After all, Tomlin, OC Arthur Smith, and DC Teryl Austin are considered a terrifying Steelers trio—for all the wrong reasons.