Pittsburgh Steelers: 10-Year Report Card for Mike Tomlin
Incredibly, Mike Tomlin is preparing for the start of his second decade as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. How has he fared in his first 10 seasons?
His regular-season record in 10 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers is an impressive 103-57. However, there is also a so-so 8-6 record in the postseason. Within his first four years with the franchise, he led the Black and Gold to a Super Bowl victory and then got them back to the Big Game two years later. The club has made seven playoff appearances and yet to suffer through a losing campaign under his command.
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There are mixed opinions regarding Mike Tomlin’s as head coach of the current defending AFC North champions. As most know, he is only the team’s third sideline leader dating back to 1969. He took over for Bill Cowher in 2007, who succeeded Hall of Famer Chuck Noll in 1992.
Yes, Tomlin certainly has his critics, including a few in the national media (you know who they are) and his fair share among fans in the Steel City. However, any time you’re the head coach of one of the most successful franchises in the league the guy up top is going to take his share of shots from those thinking the Steelers should be in the playoffs and win the Super Bowl every year.
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Of course, there’s some fuel to the fire. We have seen this team sometime play down to the “level of competition” per se. And at times, it’s hard to decipher the game plan. Then again, sometimes that is very intentional. Tomlin is known to coach instinctively and for the most part, it serves him well. Like any other aggressive competitor, there are failures. Still, Tomlin stays the course.
In 2016, the Steelers open 4-1, drop four-straight games and then run the table all the way until falling in the AFC Championship Game at Foxborough, 36-17. Unfortunately, nine consecutive victories is followed by a big-time egg against the New England Patriots.
And there’s the rub. Yes, workhorse running back Le’Veon Bell got hurt in the title tilt. There was that Facebook thing with wide receiver Antonio Brown after the playoff win at Kansas City. Veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was reportedly contemplating retirement. Tomlin’s forte is defense and his unit (be it under Dick LeBeau or Keith Butler) never seems to match up well against Tom Brady.
But let’s be fair. Tomlin’s early success has put more pressure on him to be a bigger-than-life head coach. He’s got 10 years under his belt and his perspective in regards to the game and what’s truly important is a strong suit. Obviously, Tomlin is not Bill Belichick, nor is he Noll. However, he’s still a young man, turning just 45 years old on March 15.
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Indeed, sometimes the criticism is warranted and on occasion, it’s a little over the top. However, it has still a very impressive first decade for Tomlin. Of course, the mark shows that there is still room for improvement.