Tomlin's two deep playoff runs were with Cowher's team. Much like when Mike Davis went to the NCAA finals with Bob Knight's team. Neither of them have done **** on their own.
Noooooo (Tomlin 2 year extension)
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Starkey: Tomlin's the right coach, obviously
By Joe Starkey Freelance Columnist
Thursday, July 23, 2015, 9:54 p.m.
Updated 9 hours ago
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Reactionary blockheads would have you believe the Steelers could do a lot better than Mike Tomlin.
They could, I suppose, but only if they lured Bill Belichick out of New England.
Otherwise, Tomlin can put his record against that of any coach in the NFL and just about any in the history of the sport if you're looking eight years into a career (not that most even last that long). Steelers fans should consider themselves lucky to have Tomlin through 2018, at least, in the wake of a two-year contract extension announced Thursday.
It's true, Tomlin has not won a playoff game since 2010. His quarterback hasn't played all that well in one since the divisional round that year. Anybody want to get rid of him? Didn't think so.
If you're constantly operating in the small-brained, what-have-you-done-for-me-lately world, you become the Cleveland Browns real fast. The Steelers don't work that way. They once rewarded Bill Cowher with an extension after three straight non-playoff seasons because they knew he was a good coach. He rewarded them with their fifth Super Bowl title.
Tomlin just presided over a massive personnel transition — the end of one era and the beginning of another — and never finished below .500 on his way back to a division title last season. They know he's a good coach, too.
This franchise has employed three coaches in the past 46 years. In a related item, they have won more Super Bowls (six) than anyone.
It's a bottom-line business. This is Tomlin's bottom-line, through eight years:
• He is 82-46 for a .641 winning percentage, 21st all-time and fourth among active coaches behind Belichick (.659), Mike McCarthy (.656) and John Harbaugh (.643).
• He has been to two Super Bowls, winning one, and is 5-4 in the playoffs. Belichick is the only active coach who has won more than two conference title games.
• He has won five division titles.
Belichick's in a league of his own. Tomlin belongs in the next tier with the likes of Harbaugh, McCarthy and Pete Carroll. So if it's true, as some reports suggested, that Tomlin's salary rose to around $7 million and put him among the top five coaches in the sport, that seems about right.
That's not to say Tomlin is the perfect coach. He has flaws. His teams too often play down to wretched competition. He is hardly a clock-management wizard. And for a coach who cut his teeth molding defensive backs, it's fair to question his eye for college talent at that position.
On balance, though, Tomlin has established himself as a resolute leader of men. And a winner.
There was a brief time I wavered on Tomlin and wondered if the Steelers might, too. It was in the wake of last year's debacle in Cleveland. It looked like the season might come apart.
The opposite happened. The team came together and won the AFC North. Strong leadership, born of franchise stability, ruled the day.
Nobody in that locker room has any doubt who's in charge. It's the head coach. The Steelers have another good one.
And he isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
By Joe Starkey Freelance Columnist
Thursday, July 23, 2015, 9:54 p.m.
Updated 9 hours ago
2 4 0
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Blogger
Reactionary blockheads would have you believe the Steelers could do a lot better than Mike Tomlin.
They could, I suppose, but only if they lured Bill Belichick out of New England.
Otherwise, Tomlin can put his record against that of any coach in the NFL and just about any in the history of the sport if you're looking eight years into a career (not that most even last that long). Steelers fans should consider themselves lucky to have Tomlin through 2018, at least, in the wake of a two-year contract extension announced Thursday.
It's true, Tomlin has not won a playoff game since 2010. His quarterback hasn't played all that well in one since the divisional round that year. Anybody want to get rid of him? Didn't think so.
If you're constantly operating in the small-brained, what-have-you-done-for-me-lately world, you become the Cleveland Browns real fast. The Steelers don't work that way. They once rewarded Bill Cowher with an extension after three straight non-playoff seasons because they knew he was a good coach. He rewarded them with their fifth Super Bowl title.
Tomlin just presided over a massive personnel transition — the end of one era and the beginning of another — and never finished below .500 on his way back to a division title last season. They know he's a good coach, too.
This franchise has employed three coaches in the past 46 years. In a related item, they have won more Super Bowls (six) than anyone.
It's a bottom-line business. This is Tomlin's bottom-line, through eight years:
• He is 82-46 for a .641 winning percentage, 21st all-time and fourth among active coaches behind Belichick (.659), Mike McCarthy (.656) and John Harbaugh (.643).
• He has been to two Super Bowls, winning one, and is 5-4 in the playoffs. Belichick is the only active coach who has won more than two conference title games.
• He has won five division titles.
Belichick's in a league of his own. Tomlin belongs in the next tier with the likes of Harbaugh, McCarthy and Pete Carroll. So if it's true, as some reports suggested, that Tomlin's salary rose to around $7 million and put him among the top five coaches in the sport, that seems about right.
That's not to say Tomlin is the perfect coach. He has flaws. His teams too often play down to wretched competition. He is hardly a clock-management wizard. And for a coach who cut his teeth molding defensive backs, it's fair to question his eye for college talent at that position.
On balance, though, Tomlin has established himself as a resolute leader of men. And a winner.
There was a brief time I wavered on Tomlin and wondered if the Steelers might, too. It was in the wake of last year's debacle in Cleveland. It looked like the season might come apart.
The opposite happened. The team came together and won the AFC North. Strong leadership, born of franchise stability, ruled the day.
Nobody in that locker room has any doubt who's in charge. It's the head coach. The Steelers have another good one.
And he isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
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I agree with you 100% and have been saying this same sentiment during the "Fire Cowher" years -- the problem is we're fighting a battle than can never be won. There are fans on this board that are complaining about 8-8 seasons (one of which the 8-4 finish required a multitude of plays in the SD-KC game where it went against laws of probability -- or simpler terms "a perfect storm" that kept us out of post season) but have no idea what 5-11 looks like. They have no memory of 1986 -- really the single worst Steelers team since before Franco.
The Steelers rebuilt ONCE AGAIN on the fly -- just like 1998-2000 (2000 being where 3 times NFL sent apologies for mistakes made by officials that directly lost us games in final minute -- including the most egregious about the inside kick against (eagles or titans? Someone remembers don't have time to look it up) where it should have been Steelers ball to kneel on after opposing player touched ball prior to 10 yards. The last pair of years have been similiar to our 2000-2001 seasons where a Championship level team was rebuilt.
But that is the problem -- the spoiled nature of a fa base that has never endured true hard times just has it in them to complain about Tomlin now; back in 1986 when it was worse than awful--- the Three Rivers jinx was broken, we had Mark Malone and the Dan Marino could've been was strong, the 1970s were still fresh but so far away -- the Cliff Stoudt memories of ruining a 1983 (oh if not for that Bradshaw elbow injury ) legit Super Bowl run -- heck maybe even 1984 with Healthy Terry (only team to beat 84 San Fran). But after those players aged that 1985 8-8 was worse than 2013 8-8 because it was spiraling downward.
This team is on upward swing. Just like 2001 it has missing pieces yes; but it's upward though only negative can be see by many cuz the don't know better.
It's same in Boston with Pats fans who know nothing but success; it's the spoiled rich kid syndrome that has sense of entitlement and no clue what really hard life can be. Younger fans who didn't endure what it was like to suffer through horrible teams and still be passionate and optimistic -- they don't exist here. They won't until a REAL dry spell hits this franchise. It doesn't have to be Cleveland Browns level of futility -- but enough that there isn't even hope for a while.
Asusuall I rambled too long. Point being -- we're spoiled; we're lucky to be spoiled. Hope it lasts a long time; but all good things....
Exactly.
That's the thing, I agree that he's in the second tier of coaches but there's times he just does some boneheaded **** that leaves you scratching your head. Or throwing things at the TV.
He does **** that makes me scratch my head too. So does Ben.. So does Brown.. doesn't mean I want him gone like some did or do. I don't always agree with certain plays ran or decisions too it's just the nature of the game. Sometimes you see things differently. Some people just don't know how to agree to disagree and that means he is idiot if he doesn't do what they thought was the correct way to go.
It really does not matter at this point. He is our coach. Live with it.
I'm on the fence about him. I would have let him play this year out, then made the decision about extending or dumping him. Why do it now? Let him prove himself with HIS players. He rode to early success with Cowher's players in 2007 - 2010, but we have 0 playoff wins since the AFC title game in 2010. We've made the playoffs 2 times (both losses) since then.
Maybe Rooney's reason for doing it NOW is that he thinks we have the team to make it to the show. I think we have a shot (but I always do)! Doing the extension NOW, banking on Tomlin and the team, will save him some major $$$ versus waiting a year and doing it after a Super Bowl victory. Who knows.
I'm not a fan of his lack of in-game adjustments or his propensity to play the aging veterans over the young guys. I hated that he started Ben Tate right off the street when Josh Harris showed potential. Josh wasn't even given a chance in the Ravens playoff game (and we saw what Tate did). I don't like the way he chooses not to challenge things he should, but challenges things he shouldn't. I hate going for 2 from the 12.
And I HATE his overused cliches. But he is our coach, and the "arrow is pointing up, so to speak, if you will". So I embrace this extension, and I accept it, and I will not live in my own fears.
Lastly, so GO STEELERS! **** Tom Brady! **** the *Pats, **** the Ravens!, **** the Cowboys! And LET'S GET READY FOR TRAINING CAMP!
I AM PUMPED!!!
I'm on the fence about him. I would have let him play this year out, then made the decision about extending or dumping him. Why do it now? Let him prove himself with HIS players. He rode to early success with Cowher's players in 2007 - 2010, but we have 0 playoff wins since the AFC title game in 2010. We've made the playoffs 2 times (both losses) since then.
Maybe Rooney's reason for doing it NOW is that he thinks we have the team to make it to the show. I think we have a shot (but I always do)! Doing the extension NOW, banking on Tomlin and the team, will save him some major $$$ versus waiting a year and doing it after a Super Bowl victory. Who knows.
I'm not a fan of his lack of in-game adjustments or his propensity to play the aging veterans over the young guys. I hated that he started Ben Tate right off the street when Josh Harris showed potential. Josh wasn't even given a chance in the Ravens playoff game (and we saw what Tate did). I don't like the way he chooses not to challenge things he should, but challenges things he shouldn't. I hate going for 2 from the 12.
And I HATE his overused cliches. But he is our coach, and the "arrow is pointing up, so to speak, if you will". So I embrace this extension, and I accept it, and I will not live in my own fears.
Lastly, so GO STEELERS! **** Tom Brady! **** the *Pats, **** the Ravens!, **** the Cowboys! And LET'S GET READY FOR TRAINING CAMP!
I AM PUMPED!!!
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I think we've seen Tomlin grow as a coach, especially in recent years. They seem to have underwent a transition in their drafting strategy in terms of the types of players they've been selecting. He has also improved with his hiring of assistants. The last staff turnover worked out pretty well and hires like Haley and Munchak were excellent and making the tough move to get rid of LeBeau (I don't buy for one second this was on LeBeau alone) was a tough call, but probably the right one in terms of moving the team forward. Where I don't feel confident in Tomlin is outcoaching some of the better coaches in the league in terms of game planning and in game coaching. Arguably their two top competitors--New England and Baltimore--have far superior coaches in this area, IMO.
I've said in the past that I think it was time to move on from LeBeau but at the same time the team should apologize for drafting him **** players the past few years.
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Part of the issue with the drafting is they were so loyal to the defenders that go them the Super Bowls (and I can't blame them). But by the time these guys had nothing left, no replacements were in place and they had to force the issue in several cases. I would think Butler is going to simplify the scheme because he is going to have a lot of inexperienced starters on this defense in his first year.
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I'm thinking Dick had a lot of influence into our defensive picks. The article a page or two back basically states this. It would explain why he hung around for so long. Trying to turn the defense around that he help hand pick in the draft.
Interesting perspective. Because according to some, the type of OLB we picked changed as soon as Tomlin got here. We went from big DE conversion projects to lighter, speed guys. Now, what's interesting about your statement is that if Cowher was picking or had the most influence on those picks during his tenure and Dick picked up the slack after Cowher's departure, it would be Dick who preferred the lighter, speed guys. Maybe that's not how it worked. Who knows for sure? But, it's interesting that the first OLB picked after Dick's departure sure couldn't be classified as "light".
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Give him time.
It's not like the defense, given that he is a defense-oriented coach, has been getting worse year after year since Cowher's players got old and/or retired.
Except that DLB was here for a long time. As is Colbert. When *cough* Cowher *cough* was here they drafted a lot of damn good defensive players. He retires, the other two guys are still here, and the defensive draft picks mostly turn to ****. If I could only put my finger on what changed......
Except, you don't KNOW that that was the only thing that changed. It's possible that Colbert's influence increased when Cowher left. It's possible that Dick's influence increased. It's also possible that neither of these happened and a rookie Head Coach with no drafting experience came in and immediately assumed all the drafting power that Cowher had. Since none of us were/are privy to the inner workings of the Steelers all we can do is *cough* speculate *cough*.
No coincidence that the defensive side of the ball had the most vets that were hung on to. While the offense has been replaced and is now considered a potential juggernaut. I guess they should of kicked those guys out sooner and not taken all these offensive guys to draft defense.
Meh, he better get another superbowl with Ben is all I have to say about it... that will be the end all say all of whether this was a good move or not
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I love how people that defend Tomlin against everything now start saying how great the offense is now. The same people that bitched about the Steelers hiring Haley against Tomlin's wishes now praise Tomlin for the offense. If it were up to Tomlin BA would still be here.
This is why some have issues with the guy. He was "forced" to hire Haley until the offense does well then Tomlin is a genius for hiring Haley.
I love the guy. He's as quotable as Lombardi, but his skin tone makes fans relate him more to presidents than coaches. Never been a fan of politics, and I've never mixed sports with them. As a coach, he's one I can get behind.
Why do I like him? He made it to 2 SBs by the time Cowher lost his first. Want underachievement? Cower only managed one SB win with that defense. Doesn't matter who your QB is, if you have Dilfer you're winning 3 SBs with those teams. Cowher blowing great seasons to wheeze out in the playoffs. I don't miss those. Thanks San Diego, KC, NE, Tennessee, Buffalo, and a big thanks to Indy for failing to catch the hail mary that landed on your ******* chest.
This **** gets old to me. Cowher couldn't win with Cowher players, so now he gets the glory for Tomlins wins. Don't make me ******* laugh. Tomlin won his first SB with the worst ******* offensive line I've ever seen. Then he nearly won another with a line that was just as bad with our rookie phenom center getting hurt the game before.
People don't like to hear it, because it doesn't fit their idea of what a great coach is. He's not Shula, Noll, Walsh, Johnson, or Lombardi. He's not old and white. He's a strong black coach with a strong sense of morals, and accountability. I suppose that can rub people the wrong way, but not me. As long as he keeps on winning.
Why do I like him? He made it to 2 SBs by the time Cowher lost his first. Want underachievement? Cower only managed one SB win with that defense. Doesn't matter who your QB is, if you have Dilfer you're winning 3 SBs with those teams. Cowher blowing great seasons to wheeze out in the playoffs. I don't miss those. Thanks San Diego, KC, NE, Tennessee, Buffalo, and a big thanks to Indy for failing to catch the hail mary that landed on your ******* chest.
This **** gets old to me. Cowher couldn't win with Cowher players, so now he gets the glory for Tomlins wins. Don't make me ******* laugh. Tomlin won his first SB with the worst ******* offensive line I've ever seen. Then he nearly won another with a line that was just as bad with our rookie phenom center getting hurt the game before.
People don't like to hear it, because it doesn't fit their idea of what a great coach is. He's not Shula, Noll, Walsh, Johnson, or Lombardi. He's not old and white. He's a strong black coach with a strong sense of morals, and accountability. I suppose that can rub people the wrong way, but not me. As long as he keeps on winning.
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Playing the race card. LMFAO
Also, I love seeing people continually disregarding the fact that Tomlin's career with a HoF QB in his prime (in an era that completely favors QBs) has been similar to Cowher with absolute **** QBs. This is the third time I've responded to you lemming apologists with these numbers and not a peep in response.
Cowher had success with Ben and the defense he built. Tomlin had success with Ben and the defense Cowher built.
Cowher consistently made the playoffs and only went one-and-done once without Ben. Tomlin has, so far, had a lower playoff rate and more one-and-dones with Ben.
Take Ben away from Tomlin and we are a bottom feeder team. Give Ben to Cowher for his entire career and we have multiple SBs in the 90's.
I wanted Haley from the beginning. Before his name even came up.
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You were among the few. Most here hated him. They loved BA and his "Go long" philosophy. Most blasted Rooney for "forcing" Tomlin to hire Haley and fire BA. I remember the posts the first year Haley was here and it wasn't pretty. Now everybody loves him and they always wanted him.
Bruce Arians... you know how there are coordinators that are great at their job but blow at the HC position... he is the polar opposite... that o those years...
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When was the last time we had a losing season?
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This line of thinking is just horse-crap. Cowher's team was 8-8 in 2006. That is what Tomlin inherited in 2007. I'm sure nobody in that locker room thought it was anyone's team other than Tomlin's team in 2008 and 2010.
This thread doesn't have near the doom and gloom I was expecting... we should have announced a dri archer contract extension instead... that would have been popcorn worthy.... 