Mike Tomlin: Bill Cowher's and Hines Ward's comments merely "elevator music"

Recently Pittsburgh Steelers fans were entertained by comments made by ex-Steelers coach Bill Cowher and ex-wide receiver Hines Ward regarding the toughness of the current team.

During Mike Tomlin's weekly press conference, he was asked about Ward's and Cowher's comments. Tomlin's response was simple. He said their comments are nothing more than "elevator music".

NFL head coaches don't have time to read newspapers or listen to all of the criticism thrown at them or their team, and Tomlin's response echoes that sentiment.

Tomlin noted that he "loves those guys," referring to Ward and Cowher, but don't think that their criticism fell on deaf ears within the Steelers' organization.

Tomlin acknowledged that Ward and Cowher have a job to do, and part of that job could be criticizing their former team/employers.

At a time when Steelers fans are longing for the days of Cowher and Ward, their comments appear to be more than mere "elevator music" to Mike Tomlin, but the question remains whether that music is any better than the easy-listening sounds of John Denver.