Steelers Fans Take Heat From Ryan Clark Over The Mike Tomlin Hate

Pittsburgh Steelers fans got a rare opportunity to see their Head Coach, Mike Tomlin, in a new light when the first episode of AFC North Hard Knocks aired. Tomlin's impressive record of never having a losing season in his 18 years as a head coach in the NFL stands as a testament to his consistency and leadership. Despite this, he has often been the subject of criticism from some fans, especially after the team's lack of playoff success in recent years.

Tomlin's failure to win a playoff game since the 2016 season has fueled frustration among a portion of the Steelers fan base. These critics argue that, despite his steady record, Tomlin has fallen short in delivering postseason success. Yet, there are many who still see him as one of the league's best coaches, recognizing the challenges of building a championship-caliber team year in and year out.

Former Steelers safety and current NFL analyst Ryan Clark has been one of Tomlin’s biggest supporters. After watching the first episode of Hard Knocks, Clark took the opportunity to call out Steelers fans who have been vocal about wanting Tomlin fired. Clark emphasized that Tomlin's longevity and ability to maintain a winning culture in Pittsburgh should not be overlooked, and he urged fans to appreciate what they have in their head coach.

"Pittsburgh Steelers fans that want Mike Tomlin fired should watch Hard Knocks, and tell me who you want to play for in the AFC North," Clark posted on his social media. "The man was prophetic speaking life into his team for the Bengals win. The clarity in which he delivers a message is far beyond his contemporaries."

The new series offers AFC North fans a rare and insightful look into the entire division, showcasing the Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens. When coaches like John Harbaugh, Zac Taylor, or Kevin Stefanski spoke, it sounded like typical NFL leadership. But when Tomlin took the floor, the difference was unmistakable. Tomlin's unique style of coaching and leadership shone through, and Hard Knocks did an exceptional job capturing that in the first episode.

What makes Tomlin so special is his ability to win, no matter who is on his roster. While the lack of recent postseason success is a fair critique, it shouldn't overshadow Tomlin's consistent performance. Some fans have called for his firing, but Clark is one of the strongest voices defending his former coach. 

Clark has been quick to highlight Tomlin's greatness and his ability to lead compared to his contemporaries. Clark believes that first episode showed just why Tomlin is known as one of the greatest coaches of all time.

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Knows How To Lead His Players

One thing was abundantly clear: when competing for star power in a TV series, Tomlin is in a class of his own. The respect he commands from his players, and the respect they return, is a big reason why Tomlin has never had a losing season. 

The moments in the episode when Tomlin was coaching George Pickens and building belief in Nick Herbig were particularly striking. Both players made impactful plays, and Herbig, in particular, is clearly benefiting from Tomlin's leadership and guidance. Herbig made a huge play getting a strip sack on Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. 

That play was a major key in the Steelers 44-38 win over the Bengals and many would argue that Tomlin played a big part in making it happen behind the scenes.

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