It's hard to imagine the Pittsburgh Steelers without Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Tomlin, who is entering his 17th season with the Steelers, has built a winning culture in Pittsburgh. As one of the longest-standing head coaches with a single franchise in the NFL, he's a coach that players are eager to play for and believe in. Despite a decorated career and well-respected reputation, Tomlin has never been awarded with the highest honor for a coach: AP Coach of the Year.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is well known for his witty sayings and winning records.
The Standard Is The Standard For The Pittsburgh Steelers
With 16 seasons under his belt leading the black and gold, Tomlin has never once coached a losing season. While yes, the Steelers have been blessed with star-studded rosters full of players like Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell, they haven't always been so lucky. Even during the infamous Devlin "Duck" Hodges and Mason Rudolph season in 2019, the Steelers managed to go 8-8 and finish second in the AFC North behind the Baltimore Ravens. This is a true testament to Tomlin's ability to lead a team to greatness.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin coaching quarterback Mason Rudolph.
Tomlin was hired as Bill Cowher's successor on January 22, 2007. Right off the bat, he found success with a 10-6 record. During his second season, he became the youngest coach to ever win a Super Bowl at 36 years of age as the Steelers took down the Arizona Cardinals, 27-23. Only recently did Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams take over that page of the record book.
Despite an incredible career, Tomlin is rarely given the respect that he deserves. As soon as the Steelers begin to lose, the criticism flows in on Tomlin's coaching style. This season was full of backlash for keeping Matt Canada at Offensive Coordinator and starting quarterback Kenny Pickett too late in the season. Likely, this anger stems from holding a grudge as the Steelers were unable to win a Super Bowl with the most talented offense in the league during the "Killer Bee's" era.
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Pittsburgh Steelers' Mike Tomlin and quarterback Kenny Pickett.
Similar to Bill Belichick's reputation of being dependent on Tom Brady, question marks surrounded what Tomlin's success would look like without Roethlisberger leading the way. With perhaps his most impressive winning season yet in 2022, Tomlin once again proved the critics wrong. Finally, it feels as though he's getting the respect that he's deserved all along. Sunday, he was named a dark-horse candidate for 2023 Coach of the Year by Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport.
"Given how loaded the AFC is, not much is being expected of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023. But while Mike Tomlin doesn't speak to the media during OTAs, veteran wide receiver Diontae Johnson told reporters the message Tomlin has relayed to his team this summer. '[Tomlin] was real big on taking this championship this year,' Johnson said. 'We brought in a lot of players this year, so we are feeling really good about this season.'"
Davenport brings up a strong point, the Steelers are a highly underestimated team headed into the 2023 NFL season. With the Cincinnati Bengals and Ravens gaining the most attention in the AFC North, the Steelers are flying under the radar. However, it's bound to be an exciting year with Pickett gaining a meshing offense, a strong draft class, a stout defense and Tomlin leading the way. It would only be the cherry on top if Tomlin was finally given the recognition he deserves.
What are your thoughts, Steeler Nation? Will Tomlin finally be awarded Coach of the Year? Comment below!
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