Inside the Tomlin Effect: Is Mike Tomlin Still the Right Fit for the Steelers?
Mike Tomlin has certainly established an amazing reputation and legacy throughout his 17 seasons as the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach. When he was hired for the position in 2007, he set himself apart from other coaches as a strong leader, and in just his third season coached the Steelers to victory in 2009 during Super Bowl XLIII. Additionally, he has maintained the tough legacy and tradition of what it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and pushes his athletes. However, many raised questions surrounding the extension of his contract, which named him head coach until at least 2027, bringing up worries that he is not the most effective coach for the Steel City team.
Though the strategy has proven to be effective, Tomlin focuses heavily on his defense, meaning that the offensive team may not be prioritized the way they should be. While the defensive team remains highly ranked in the league, the Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016, and lately, opponents have been able to exploit some of the team’s defensive weaknesses. For example, in Week Four, the Indianapolis Colts were consistently able to bypass the defense, they scored more points during that match than the Steelers had let up all season. The same kind of mistakes were evident throughout Week Five’s match as well, leaving many to speculate on whether or not Tomlin’s focus on the defense was effective or not.
However, though the Steelers had a tough two weeks, coach Tomlin was able to navigate the team through the defeat and offered a rebuttal during Week Six against the Raiders. For this game, the Steel City team started and finished with a dominant performance, no doubt due in part to the head coach’s strategies, plays, and encouragement. Tomlin has shown this season alone that he is able to navigate tough situations, such as Russell Wilson’s injury and the prospect of Justin Fields as the quarterback, as well as fixing sloppy performances and solidifying his spot as the head coach. Even if one were to overlook the legacy he has built — the absence of a losing season, his positive attitude, a Super Bowl win, and consistently competitive seasons — there is no doubt that Tomlin is the right fit for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
