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We're Sure This Time: Steelers Hire Mike Tomlin Head Coach

Okay, so it's Tomlin. The original report was correct. From what I can gather, the Rooneys didn't want the hiring news to make it to press until Monday, which was why we saw the denials coming from the Steeler front office all weekend.

Sad news for Russ Grimm, but I'm personally more pleased with the Tomlin hiring than I would have been with Grimm. To get to know Mike Tomlin a little better, I turned to SB Nation's Minnesota Vikings blog, Daily Norseman. Author 'Gonzo' was kind enough to fill me in on all things Tomlin.

PB, Behind the Steel Curtain: What, in your estimation, is Mike Tomlin's greatest strength as a coach?

Gonzo, Daily Norseman: I think his biggest strength is the fact that he pays a great deal of attention to details.  In the short time he's been in Minnesota, he's already known for meticulous pre-game planning.  Another is the fire and enthusiasm he brings to the table.  I can't recall any time this season (with the possible exception of the season finale) where his players weren't fired up and ready to play, and I think that's a direct reflection of their coach.

PB: And his most significant weakness?

Daily Norseman: I'd definitely have to say his in-game adjustment skills, or a lack thereof.  While he had his unit ready to play at the beginning of every game, there would be times when he'd just fail to adjust to what the opposing offense was doing.  The biggest example of this I can think of was this year's game with New England, where the Pats kept spreading the field and throwing all over the place, and Tomlin didn't change a whole lot of things.  But, I'm sure that will come with experience.

PB: Tomlin's awfully young - any concerns on your part that he's not quite ready for a head coaching job?

Daily Norseman: None at all.  He was easily the best member of the Vikings' coaching staff this season, and he's got all the necessary tools to be a success in Pittsburgh.  Remember, even though Tomlin is "only" 34. . .when Bill Cowher took over the Steelers, he was "only" 35.  Heck, Chuck Noll was "only" 37 when he became the Steelers' head coach, too.

But no. . .there's absolutely nothing that makes me think that he's not ready for this position.

PB: Were players fond of working for Tomlin?

Daily Norseman: It certainly appeared as though they were, yes.  There were a few players, particularly LB E.J. Henderson, that played markedly better under Tomlin than they had under other Viking defensive coordinators in the recent past.  In 2005, the Vikings' defense was 21st in the NFL in terms of yardage under Ted Cottrell. . .this year, under Tomlin, they were 8th.  The energy level that the defense had under Tomlin was unlike anything I had seen from a Minnesota defense since Tony Dungy left town.  Not being in the locker room myself or anything, I can't give you a definitive answer, but the on-field performance certainly appears to bear that out.

PB: Anything else you'd add about Tomlin?

Daily Norseman: All I can say is that I think the Steelers are getting a damn fine head coach.  The one thing I'm interested to see is how Pittsburgh's current defensive personnel, which is built for a 3-4 defense, seemingly (and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on that, as I'm not as well versed as the ins and outs of the Steelers' roster as you are) will adjust to the "Tampa 2" scheme that Tomlin is so fond of. . .or if Tomlin will adjust HIS line of thinking, or hire a defensive coordinator that will keep the 3-4 in place.  There might be a few more hiccups if Tomlin is insistent on keeping the "Tampa 2" scheme in place, but overall I think the Steelers have made a great choice.

PB: You've hit the million dollar question. Will Pittsburgh move away from the 3-4 defense? My gut says no way. I'd wager Tomlin's never hired without him agreeing that he'll be looking to keep things similar to the way they are now.

In any case, thanks for chatting, Gonzo. We appreciate the notes.

--PB--

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espn reports
Tomlin is keeping LeBeau as DC.  That's a damn smart move, and two very keen defensive minds.

by schnifin on Jan 22, 2007 12:34 PM EST reply actions  

Inevitable
There's simply no way the Rooneys would hire Tomlin with the intention of overhauling the system. That's what I was getting at.

Several players, too, expressed deep concern about losing LeBeau. This all makes sense.

by Peter Bean on Jan 22, 2007 12:43 PM EST up reply actions  

not so inevitable
There were several articles that said they expected most of the assistant coaches to leave including LeBeau.  If the Rooneys were smart they let Tomlin make all those decisions. There's nothing worse than hiring a guy and then telling him how to do his job.  I'm pretty sure the Rooney's wouldn't do that and the decision to keep LeBeau was made by Tomlin.

by schnifin on Jan 22, 2007 2:13 PM EST up reply actions  

I mean
No, you're right. I wasn't being clear.

What I meant was, they probably asked Tomlin extensively about what he might do, and I'd wager he said something along the lines of, "Pittsburgh will run the 3-4. Period. If I'm hired, I will keep Dick LeBeau and work with him to bring what I know to what he's already got here."

I agree with you wholeheartedly that the Rooneys didn't demand it of Tomlin; rather, I'd wager that Tomlin let it be known in his interviews that this was his intention, if hired. And I'm sure the Rooneys were pleased.

by Peter Bean on Jan 22, 2007 2:26 PM EST up reply actions  

Anyone else
go back to the Trib and try to find the article that schnifin posted about Grimm getting the job for sure?  Unless I'm mistaken, its gone.  Heh.
Well, I am definitely excited about getting Tomlin, I just don't want to see him radically change everything.  I hope that you guys are right about him... but I'll trust the Rooneys.  they have been pretty spot-on when it comes to coaches.

by steelerark on Jan 22, 2007 4:00 PM EST reply actions  

tomlin
kicked ass at the press conference. He didn't say anything monumental but he did confirm that he was keeping LeBeau, said he wanted to be flexible on defense and try to maximize the personnel to the best of their abiliities.  Said he was off to the Senior Bowl tomorrow, division championships are "just hardware" you pick up as you try to get to the  Super bowl.  Very no nonsense.

by schnifin on Jan 22, 2007 4:07 PM EST reply actions  

SI's Peter King on Tomlin
"Everything I hear about Tomlin is good. I mean, everything."

Monday Morning Quarterback

by Peter Bean on Jan 22, 2007 4:20 PM EST reply actions  

I wouldn't let this worry you.
I'm sure Tomlin is still a great coach.

by Skin Patrol @ Behind the Steel Curtain on Jan 22, 2007 5:53 PM EST up reply actions  

No worries
This erection isn't going anywhere for a while.

I may just be an optimist, but I really, really think the Rooneys got this one right.

Tomlin is young Bueno. Old people are stuck on old ideas.

Tomlin is African American As little as this actually matters, I'm just pleased that the Rooneys went with the African American. He was the best candidate for the job, IMO, and he was hired. Race wasn't an issue. Bueno.

Tomlin is a defense-first guy Bueno. I'm all for offensive flexibility and ingenuity, but the organization has been built around and thrives upon defense.

Tomlin is not a Pittsburgh insider I love Russ Grimm and all, but it was time for a change. I don't blame Bill Cowher for needing to change things in his life, and similarly, I like the idea of a fresh leader at the helm to replace him.

It's. All. Gravy.

by Peter Bean on Jan 22, 2007 6:16 PM EST up reply actions  

I agree
I think you guys got it right. I was just taking a cheap stab at Peter King because he voted against Art Monk for HoF.

by Skin Patrol @ Behind the Steel Curtain on Jan 22, 2007 7:42 PM EST up reply actions  

The true heritage of the steel curtain
I read alot of posts stressing the importance of keeping the 3-4 in place.  I read an article on Sporting News.com that stated that the "tampa 2" defense was based on the steel curtain defense of the '70s.  Coach Noll introduced the 3-4 in 1983.  I would love to see the tampa 2 defense brought back home, where it was born afterall, the 'Burgh.  The sooner the better too I say.  Alot of the linebackers are getting long in the tooth.  Change is always hard, but the sooner the better.  Alot of young guys on the D could transition to the 4-3.  Wallace is one young guy in particular that is intriging.
GO STEELERS!!!

by steelerfreak76 on Jan 22, 2007 10:34 PM EST reply actions  

3-4 vs cover 2
Tomlin made sort of a joking comment that maybe they could play 3-4 and 4-3 in the same game.  I'm all for mixing up looks like that.  I'm also interested to see if they try some cover 2 type looks from the 3-4.  I think between Tomlin and LeBeau there is alot of hope for innovative and new ideas on defense.

by schnifin on Jan 22, 2007 10:42 PM EST up reply actions  

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