Pittsburgh Steelers: Assessing the coaching staff this summer
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be heading to training camp in a few weeks. How is head coach Mike Tomlin’s staff looking these days?
Welcome to the final edition of our 10-part series for NFL Spin Zone. Training camp is almost here, and in the down time after OTAs and minicamps, we have taken an in-depth look at both the offensive and defensive units, as well as the special teams for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Now we put a wrap on this series by looking at the coaching staff. It’s somewhat hard to believe how quickly time flies as Mike Tomlin begins his second decade as the Steelers’ sideline leader.
Dating back to 1969, the Steelers have had a total of three head coaches (Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher and Tomlin). To put that in some recent perspective, Kyle Shanahan will be the new boss of the San Francisco 49ers this season. It marks the fourth-straight year that the franchise will open the year with a new head coach.
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In 10 seasons, Tomlin owns a 103-57 regular-season record and an 8-6 postseason mark. He ranks 38th in NFL history with 111 total victories. Yet some feel that the club has underachieved during his tenure. In 2008, the team reached the Super Bowl in his second season and the Steelers captured a sixth NFL title. There was another visit to the Big Game two years later which culminated in a 31-25 loss to the Green Bay Packers (XLV).
But there’s been little playoff success since. In 2016, the Steelers came within a win over the New England Patriots in the AFC title game. But a humbling 36-17 loss at Foxborough once again put the team’s shortcomings in the spotlight.
Tomlin’s style is more gut instinct and it has served him well. But the critics are quick to jump on that aspect when the team comes up short. All told, the Steelers have reached the playoffs three straight years and seven times in 10 seasons under the 45-year old coach. And while there’s been disappointment, there has been no losing season during his tenure.
The good news is that the team’s coaching staff returns intact from a year ago. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley has done a masterful job with veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. He’s evolved into an effective pocket passer but still has the ability to shed tacklers with those quick feet.
On the other hand, defensive coordinator Keith Butler continues to coach in the shadow of legend Dick LeBeau — now with the Tennessee Titans. Pittsburgh’s defense has disappointed in recent years but the rebuilding has been taking place under his guidance. Last season, rookies such as cornerback Artie Burns, strong safety Sean Davis and nose tackle Javon Hargrave made positive strides as the year unfolded.
Elsewhere, offensive line coach Mike Munchak has proven to be a great asset for Tomlin’s club. The team’s front — led by Pro Bowler such as right guard David DeCastro and center Maurkice Pouncey — has emerged as one of the best in the game. And the staff has its share of former Steelers’ players in Carnell Lake (defensive backs), Jerry Olsavsky (inside linebackers) and Joey Porter (outside linebackers).
Evaluation:
Far from perfect, Mike Tomlin has brought his own style to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the ups have far outweighed the downs. But despite over 100 wins and a pair of Super Bowl appearances, some would consider the coach’s tenure as disappointing. That sentiment has merit, but a lot of that has to do with the reigning dynasty in New England.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Pre-training camp
On the other hand, Tomlin and his staff(s) have yet to solve that Patriots’ puzzle and patience has been running thin — especially when you have 19-point losses in the conference title game. Is this the year that the Steelers get over the New England hump? There doesn’t seem to be a lot of optimism on that front at the moment, but it’s only late July.