The NFL has entered a critical phase as teams look for new head coaches, with over 25% of franchises parting ways with their season starters. In stark contrast, Mike Tomlin, the long-serving head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, has announced his decision to step down after an impressive 19-year tenure. His departure follows a notable achievement, leading the team to its 25th division title, with eight of those victories directly credited to his leadership.
The emotional reaction from players underscores Tomlin’s impact on the team. Aaron Rodgers, who is widely regarded as a future Hall of Fame quarterback, reportedly shed tears upon hearing the news. This sentiment reflects Tomlin’s long-standing reputation as a mentor and friend to many athletes in the league. Yet, despite his remarkable record, a narrative has emerged questioning his status as an elite coach.
Critics point to the Steelers’ lack of a Super Bowl victory since February 2009, suggesting that Tomlin’s legacy may be less stellar than it appears. In a league where a third of the teams have secured championships during his tenure, this scrutiny seems particularly harsh. For fanbases like those of the Cleveland Browns or Arizona Cardinals, any Super Bowl win would be monumental. The Steelers, however, have a different history and higher expectations, which complicate Tomlin’s evaluation among fans.
The discussion surrounding Tomlin is often clouded by recency bias and the fast-paced nature of modern sports media. Critics sometimes overlook the significance of his achievement: he has never concluded a season with a losing record. This feat is not merely a statistic; it reflects a standard of excellence rarely matched in the NFL. Among his peers, no other coach with his years of service can claim such a record.
Throughout his career, Tomlin has navigated challenges such as a revolving door of quarterbacks. The only first-round draft pick at quarterback during his time, Kenny Pickett, is currently on his fourth team. In contrast, other teams, such as the San Francisco 49ers, have successfully developed talent like Brock Purdy. While drafting success varies across the league, it highlights the struggles the Steelers faced at the quarterback position—Tomlin has used three starting quarterbacks in more seasons than he has finished with an 8-8 record.
Despite the absence of a tangible accolade for his non-losing seasons, Tomlin’s accomplishments deserve respect. Winning in the NFL is notoriously difficult, as evidenced by the fact that former Rams coach Dick Vermeil, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame, experienced seven losing seasons in his 15-year career. Tomlin, in comparison, boasts a win percentage of 63%, ranking him among the top ten coaches in NFL history and the best in Steelers’ history.
The questioning of Tomlin’s status as an all-time great coach is not only counterintuitive but also disrespects his contributions to the sport. This scrutiny may stem from a desire to create engaging content during playoff season or a contrarian viewpoint, but it overlooks the broader context of his journey.
Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Tomlin represents a significant figure in the landscape of professional sports. With less than 2% of K-12 teachers being Black men and the percentage of Black head coaches in the NFL never exceeding 15%, Tomlin’s presence as the longest-tenured Black head coach in the league carries an added weight. He has often been the sole representative of his race in discussions surrounding the Rooney Rule, which mandates minority interviews for head coaching positions.
For 19 years, Tomlin has shouldered this responsibility while maintaining an impressive record. Rather than questioning his greatness, the conversation about Tomlin should focus on celebrating his achievements and acknowledging the barriers he has helped to break down in the NFL. His legacy extends beyond win-loss records; it includes the mentorship and inspiration he has provided to countless players and coaches. As he steps away from the Steelers, the sports community would do well to reflect on the profound impact he has made in his time at the helm.
