Former Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin Had Perfect Opportunity For Help With Major Flaw And Refused

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been doing something that they did not expect: thriving without Mike Tomlin and looking like a more complete team. New head coach Mike McCarthy has his team at 6-2 and in position to take the AFC North again. Most people thought this hire would result in more of the same from the past, or maybe even lose their streak of consecutive non-losing seasons, but the coaching change has led to a big boom that might even translate to quality football in the playoffs. This current version of the team just needs to sustain this momentum.

Tomlin definitely deserves a spot in the NFL Hall of Fame for the work he's done, but it was also very clear that a coaching change was needed in the Steel City. Constantly getting blown out in the first postseason game the last few years is not the sign of a man who can lead the team into the future. Players have praised all the changes made with the new coaching hire thus far as well. Even though they still liked the former coach, the players likely know change was the best option. 

Tomlin had many struggles in his later years, as he seemed unwilling to accept additional help. While making an appearance on 93.7 The Fan, reporter Aditi Kinkhabwala gave a story about the former coach refusing help despite seemingly needing it pretty badly.

"Mike Tomlin didn't necessarily build out the infrastructure around himself. He didn't have the same resources; he didn't want the same resources..." Kinkhabwala said. "I know a few years ago, an official went to [the Steelers] and said, 'Hey, I'm available,' and there was no interest."

The official in question was one that was offering himself to help Tomlin with all kinds of little nuances surrounding the referees. Kinkhabwala spelled out the duties of the official, as other teams have some like him on their coaching staffs: scout the opposing officials, help get a sense of who is calling what and why. Most importantly for the Steelers, he would be the eye in the sky that would tell the coach when to challenge plays and when to not. 

One issue that had plagued Tomlin throughout his career was the fact that he typically had a bad sense of when to challenge a play and when not to. He could have solved that whole problem with one person that was willing, able, and qualified to properly help him out, but he rejected that offer.

In the past, he had admitted he at one point did have someone helping him with those types of calls specifically, but details still remain fuzzy to the public.

Steelers' Many Changes Have Resulted In More Sustainable Success

With the new coaching staff, the Steelers have been less predictable defensively, which has led to the defense finally playing closer to its pay level. There are still some issues to work out with it, especially in the secondary, but it's much harder to limit those weaknesses when opposing offenses can't run the ball at all while the quarterback is very uncomfortable in the pocket. Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham has done a nice job in that regard during his first season in Pittsburgh.

Most importantly, this coaching staff will take any help it can get. McCarthy stays in his lane and listens to all the feedback he gets, and that's the best thing a coach can do. When wide receivers got injured, he adjusted properly, which led to the offense dominating in the run. Graham moved from the press box to the field on gameday at the request of his players to improve communication, and it has worked wonders.

What do you think about Tomlin refusing help with his inability to challenge plays correctly? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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