Mike Tomlin's Steelers Departure Signals Coaching Transition and Media Opportunities - Episode Hero Image

Mike Tomlin's Steelers Departure Signals Coaching Transition and Media Opportunities

The Herd with Colin Cowherd · · Listen to Original Episode →
Original Title:

TL;DR

  • Mike Tomlin's departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers, after 19 years, signals an end to an era, with his consistent performance preventing a "bottom-out" year and providing coaching stability.
  • The NFL's reliance on charismatic personalities, like coaches, drives its business model, with figures like Mike Tomlin adding significant entertainment value beyond on-field performance.
  • Mike Tomlin's potential move to Amazon's broadcast booth offers a lucrative, less demanding career path, mirroring successful transitions by coaches like Bill Cowher and John Madden.
  • The Steelers face a challenging transition, needing to replace a coach who consistently avoided losing seasons, a feat few NFL teams achieve over such a long tenure.
  • The Eagles' offensive struggles and internal dynamics, including visible sideline arguments, suggest a potential disconnect that could impact their future team cohesion and player retention.
  • The 49ers' sustained success is attributed to Kyle Shanahan's ability to make players believe he can elevate their potential, fostering a team that plays with purpose and intensity.
  • The media's role in shaping perceptions of coaches and players is significant, with personalities like Mike Tomlin benefiting from positive reinforcement and avoiding harsh criticism in broadcast roles.

Deep Dive

Mike Tomlin's departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers marks the end of a 19-year tenure, signaling a fundamental shift for both the coach and the franchise. While his consistent performance ensured stability, the team's current state--old, lacking a clear quarterback answer, and not bad enough for a high draft pick--rendered the situation unsustainable. This transition opens avenues for Tomlin in media, most logically with Amazon, where his analytical depth could be best utilized in a booth rather than a studio, and for the Steelers to pivot toward a more modern coaching philosophy.

The Steelers now face the significant challenge of replacing a coach who historically avoided losing seasons, a feat that insulated him from the swift dismissals common in the NFL. This stability, while a hallmark of Tomlin's era, also meant the team rarely bottomed out to acquire top-tier draft talent, a stark contrast to franchises like the Ravens who consistently maintain front-office strength and playoff contention. The team's future coaching search will likely target a "tough guy" profile, potentially drawing from defensive minds like Robert Saleh or Brian Flores, but the diminished perception of the Steelers' front office compared to the Ravens could complicate attracting top candidates.

Tomlin's next move is widely speculated to be in television, with Amazon presenting a strong possibility for a broadcast role. This shift reflects a broader trend of prominent coaches moving into media, where their personalities and insights can drive engagement. However, the long-term implications for Tomlin himself involve navigating a career shift that, for some, leads to continued relevance like John Madden, while for others, like Rex Ryan, it can result in diminished impact. The Steelers, meanwhile, are at a crossroads, needing to redefine their identity and potentially embrace a transitional year to rebuild for sustained success, a stark departure from the consistent mediocrity they have endured in recent playoff history.

Action Items

  • Audit coaching transitions: Analyze 3-5 recent NFL head coach departures for common patterns in team performance and organizational stability.
  • Develop media engagement strategy: Outline 3-5 key talking points for potential media appearances, focusing on insights into team dynamics and player development.
  • Create a framework for evaluating coaching impact: Define metrics for assessing coaching effectiveness beyond win-loss records, considering player development and team culture.
  • Establish a network mapping exercise: Identify 5-10 key contacts within the sports media and coaching industries for potential future collaboration or information exchange.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"So let's talk Mike Tomlin. I do want to start with Mike Tomlin because it wasn't shocking at all, right? Whether he was fired, whether he quit, whether it just was going to end, the writing has been on the wall for years, and even Mike Tomlin could understand that after last night. One, his team's not remotely close. Two, they're very old. They have no answer at the most important position. They're not bad enough to draft high enough. They have a bunch of older players that make a ton of money. When the house is on fire, you got to run out, and I think Mike Tomlin just went sprinting out."

John Middlekauff explains that Mike Tomlin's departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers was not surprising, as the team's trajectory indicated a need for change. Middlekauff highlights the team's age, lack of a clear quarterback solution, and inability to secure high draft picks as contributing factors to this inevitability. He uses the metaphor of a "house on fire" to illustrate the urgency for Tomlin to move on.

"Now, to me, the most logical place, people have been reporting for a while that television, obviously television networks are going to be interested. Florio, I think within the last month, said that Tomlin started contemplating this. I think the thing that makes the most sense is Amazon. Tomlin, to me, gets wasted in a studio show with 15 other people around a desk. To me, I want Mike Tomlin in a booth calling a game. Now, does he want to travel city to city and do that? Well, what if Amazon gives him the private jet so his travel actually isn't that bad?"

John Middlekauff speculates on Mike Tomlin's next career move, suggesting that television is a likely destination. Middlekauff believes Tomlin would be best utilized in a broadcast booth calling games rather than in a studio setting. He specifically proposes Amazon as a potential employer, noting that they could mitigate travel concerns with a private jet.

"The NFL world has changed dramatically with social media. It's changed dramatically once Ben Roethlisberger retired, and this doesn't directly impact him. It's not like he worked with this guy, right? And they weren't like business partners in the sense they all both worked for the NFL, they're just rivals. You have to think that the Harbaugh thing, when he was let go last week, it just felt over for everyone involved."

John Middlekauff discusses the evolution of the NFL, particularly the impact of social media and the retirement of key players like Ben Roethlisberger. Middlekauff suggests that the departure of John Harbaugh from his coaching position may have signaled the end of an era for others as well, creating a sense of finality in the league.

"I would argue the best thing that's ever happened to me is failing in the NFL. Chip Kelly comes in, I get let go, and when my radio show was canceled both times, it excelled my career forward, partly because you look back and you go, yeah, it was off for a while before that happened."

John Middlekauff reflects on his own career, stating that professional setbacks, such as being let go from the NFL and having his radio show canceled, ultimately propelled his career forward. Middlekauff explains that these failures provided opportunities for reflection and growth, leading to positive career advancements.

"So the one thing with the Ravens and with the Steelers is the support you get with ownership. But part of that support, even if we nitpick Mike Tomlin, and obviously Steeler fans and NFL fans have, he never lost. I mean, he lost games, but he never had, you know, Tomlin had that one four and 13 season, like that did not exist. So when you never do that, you gain a little bit more bulletproof, you know, it's like wearing a bulletproof vest in terms of being a coach. It's harder for them to come at you, and because the moment you start losing, they get rid of everybody, right?"

John Middlekauff highlights the consistent support Mike Tomlin received from ownership during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers, attributing it partly to his ability to avoid significantly losing seasons. Middlekauff suggests this consistency provided Tomlin with a level of job security, likening it to wearing a "bulletproof vest" against criticism and potential dismissal.

"I do, people make fun of it because part of it, I made fun of it because it felt like it was never going to lead to this day when it just felt like it was time, like a couple years ago. It is pretty impressive what he did, just refused to have a shitty season, refused to bottom out. I mean, the 49ers last year went 6 and 11. A couple years ago, the Rams had like the top five, top five or six pick. Now granted, it went to the Lions for the Stafford trade, but a lot of great coaches have awful years."

John Middlekauff acknowledges that while Mike Tomlin's long tenure might have seemed stagnant to some, his consistent refusal to have a losing season is impressive. Middlekauff contrasts this with other successful coaches who have experienced significantly worse seasons, emphasizing Tomlin's unique ability to maintain a baseline level of performance throughout his career.

Resources

External Resources

Books

  • "Valley of Shadows" by Pushkin Industries - Mentioned as a new series about crime and corruption in California's high desert.

Articles & Papers

  • "Project 2025" - Discussed in relation to the first year of Trump's second term and the implementation of its goals.
  • "Presidential Pardons" - Discussed in relation to a plethora of pardons.
  • "Year's Biggest Scandals" - Discussed in relation to scandals in the past year.

Podcasts & Audio

  • "Lines in Times with Spencer Graves" - Mentioned as a podcast for hunters and fishermen.
  • "Valley of Shadows" - Mentioned as a new series available on the iheart radio app and Apple Podcasts.
  • "Next Question with Katie Couric" - Mentioned as a podcast that pulls together important conversations of the year.
  • "Checking In with Michelle Williams" - Mentioned as a podcast on the Black Effect Podcast Network discussing mental health, healing, and growth.
  • "The Volume" - Mentioned as the network hosting the "3 & Out" podcast.
  • "Brad Versus Everyone" - Mentioned as a podcast hosted by Brad Palumbo that dives into media and politics.

Websites & Online Resources

  • iheart radio app - Mentioned as a platform where podcasts can be downloaded.
  • Apple Podcasts - Mentioned as a platform where podcasts can be downloaded.
  • Netflix - Mentioned as a platform where content is posted early in the morning.
  • Instagram - Mentioned as a platform where a clip was posted.
  • Reddit - Mentioned as a platform that did not exist in the past.
  • LinkedIn - Mentioned as a platform for sending messages.
  • Purdue - Mentioned as a university where a coach was previously head coach.
  • Fresno State - Mentioned as a university where individuals attended.
  • Sac State - Mentioned as a university where an individual worked.
  • University of Minnesota - Mentioned as a place where an individual was a defensive coordinator.
  • University of Alabama - Mentioned as a university where a coach had a stint.
  • NC State - Mentioned as a university where a coach had a stint.
  • University of Illinois - Mentioned as a university where a coach was a defensive coordinator.
  • University of Washington - Mentioned as a university where a coach was a defensive coordinator.
  • University of Oregon - Mentioned as a university where a player transferred.
  • University of Nebraska - Mentioned as a university where games were played.
  • University of Maryland - Mentioned as a university where games were played.
  • University of Chicago - Mentioned as a city with a strong sports culture.
  • University of California, Berkeley - Mentioned as a university.
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  • University of Texas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Wisconsin - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
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  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Minnesota - Mentioned as a university.
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  • University of Illinois - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
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  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
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  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
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  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
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  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
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  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
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  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Iowa - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Michigan - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Ohio State - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Indiana - Mentioned as a university.
  • University of Kansas

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