Steelers' Strategic Reset Signals NFL Coaching Market Intensification - Episode Hero Image

Steelers' Strategic Reset Signals NFL Coaching Market Intensification

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

TL;DR

  • Mike Tomlin's departure signifies a strategic reset for the Steelers, enabling a youth movement and leveraging numerous draft picks for organizational rejuvenation.
  • The NFL coaching market has intensified with nine vacancies, creating a competitive landscape where established figures like Tomlin, Harbaugh, and Stefanski are highly sought after.
  • The New York Giants emerge as a prime destination for top coaching talent due to their promising young quarterback and stable ownership, despite other roster concerns.
  • The Steelers' coaching job is considered less attractive than others due to a lack of a clear quarterback solution, potentially leading to a prolonged rebuild.
  • A year off for coaches like Tomlin offers a strategic opportunity to reassess their coaching philosophy, build new staffs, and adapt to evolving NFL strategies.
  • The increasing impulsivity of NFL owners, driven by high valuations and the success of transformative coaching hires, fuels a cycle of frequent staff changes.
  • The success of coaches like Mike McDonald in rapidly elevating team performance highlights the potential for immediate impact and increased owner willingness to make drastic changes.

Deep Dive

Mike Tomlin's departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers marks the close of a highly successful, albeit stagnant, 19-year era, signaling a critical organizational reset. While Tomlin's consistent .500-plus record and unparalleled streak of non-losing seasons cement his legacy as a Hall of Fame coach, the team's plateaued performance and perceived lack of contemporary offensive schemes necessitate a new vision. This transition creates a significant ripple effect across the NFL, intensifying the competition for a historically large number of head coaching vacancies and highlighting the evolving criteria for successful leadership in the modern game.

The NFL coaching market has become exceptionally fluid, with nine openings creating a hyper-competitive landscape that favors established figures like Tomlin, John Harbaugh, and Kevin Stefanski. Their reputations as "culture guys" and proven winners make them prime candidates for franchises seeking to fundamentally alter their organizational trajectory, particularly teams like the New York Giants, who are described as "a mess" and in need of cultural restoration. Conversely, the Steelers' situation is complicated by a lack of a clear quarterback solution, making it a less attractive proposition for coaches accustomed to having a franchise signal-caller, unlike the Ravens with Lamar Jackson or the Giants with the promising Jackson Dart. This quarterback dependency suggests that coordinators who have succeeded with strong offensive talent may not find the same immediate success in Pittsburgh, where a significant roster overhaul and a new offensive philosophy are required. The proliferation of coaching vacancies also reflects a broader trend among wealthy owners to make more impulsive decisions, driven by evidence that a swift coaching change, akin to the impact of DeMeco Ryans in Houston or Ben Johnson in Detroit, can rapidly transform a franchise's fortunes and elevate its perceived ceiling.

The Steelers now face the challenge of attracting a coach capable of navigating a significant rebuild, potentially shifting from one of the league's oldest rosters to a younger, more dynamic team, leveraging a substantial number of draft picks. This strategic pivot means that while Tomlin is highly respected and likely to land a prominent role, perhaps in broadcasting or another coaching opportunity after a year off, the Steelers must prioritize finding a coach who can implement a modern offensive scheme and identify or develop a franchise quarterback. The attractiveness of the Steelers job is thus diminished by the absence of an established quarterback, placing it behind other opportunities that offer a clearer path to contention, such as the Ravens or Giants. The league's emphasis has shifted towards coaches who can instill a winning culture and adapt to evolving strategies, a dynamic that Tomlin, despite his longevity, was perceived to be lagging behind, making his departure a necessary, albeit significant, organizational reset.

Action Items

  • Audit coaching market: Identify 3-5 organizations with unstable QB situations and evaluate their potential for a "culture guy" hire.
  • Analyze team roster construction: For 3-5 teams with aging rosters and limited draft capital, assess the risk of maintaining status quo versus a full rebuild.
  • Develop GM evaluation framework: Define 5 key criteria for assessing a General Manager's ability to identify and develop a franchise quarterback.
  • Track coordinator success rates: For 10-15 recent head coaching hires, measure the correlation between offensive coordinator background and team performance in year one.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"I think it was time for both sides and I never thought that the Steelers would fire Mike Tomlin, and they didn't. I think it was going to be a conversation and I feel like we were in a place with both the Steelers and Mike Tomlin where it was mutually beneficial for them to go their separate ways."

Robert Mays explains that Mike Tomlin's departure from the Steelers was a mutual decision, indicating that the relationship had reached a natural conclusion where both parties could benefit from a change. Mays suggests that this was not a firing but rather a strategic parting of ways.

"The Steelers are poised to go from being one of the oldest teams in the league to kind of having a little bit of a youth movement. They have a ton of picks this year. They can move on from guys like T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward over the next couple of years. It's a reset, even if it's not a rebuild."

Robert Mays highlights the organizational shift the Steelers are poised to make following Mike Tomlin's departure. Mays points out that the team is transitioning from an older roster to a younger one, supported by a significant number of draft picks, which allows for a strategic reset rather than a complete rebuild.

"And for Tomlin, you have no pathway to a quarterback right now if you're the Steelers' head coach. I think him either taking a year away the same way Sean Payton did or just moving to a different situation where the team is positioned differently."

Robert Mays suggests that a key factor in Mike Tomlin's decision to leave the Steelers was the lack of a clear quarterback situation. Mays proposes that Tomlin might take a year off, similar to Sean Payton, or seek a coaching position with a team that has a more defined quarterback plan.

"The Ravens job is by far away the best. You get Lamar Jackson. I would take the Giants over the Steelers. I have Jalen Dart. Okay, so Steelers right now is the third job. Who's the quarterback? Aaron's not the answer."

Colin Cowherd ranks the available NFL coaching jobs, placing the Ravens as the best due to Lamar Jackson. Cowherd considers the Giants a better option than the Steelers, citing Jalen Dart as a potential quarterback. Cowherd expresses doubt about Aaron Rodgers being the solution for the Steelers, making it a less attractive third option.

"I think the quality of the offensive line and their struggles in the second half had a big thing, big part in it. Their inability to run the ball in the second half, the fact that Jordan Love was pressured so much more than he was in the first half."

Robert Mays analyzes the Green Bay Packers' playoff loss, attributing their struggles to the offensive line's performance in the second half. Mays points out their difficulty in running the ball and the increased pressure on Jordan Love as key factors contributing to the defeat.

"I think with the quality of the jobs with Tomlin, I think that matters a little bit less just because I think he'll have options when he comes to it. I think there will always be a job in every cycle that is probably worth taking if you're Mike Tomlin."

Colin Cowherd discusses Mike Tomlin's future coaching prospects, suggesting that the quality of available jobs might be less of a concern for Tomlin due to his strong reputation. Cowherd believes Tomlin will have multiple attractive options in future coaching cycles.

Resources

External Resources

Articles & Papers

  • "THE HERD - Hour 3 - Mike Tomlin Leaves Steelers, Robert Mays Explores What's Next for Tomlin" (Podcast Transcript) - Primary source of discussion regarding Mike Tomlin's departure from the Steelers and potential coaching vacancies.

People

  • Mike Tomlin - Former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, discussed in relation to his departure and future coaching prospects.
  • Robert Mays - NFL writer for The Athletic and host of The Athletic Football Show, providing analysis on coaching changes.
  • Adam Schefter - Mentioned as a source for the news of Mike Tomlin stepping down.
  • Jeremy Fowler - Mentioned as a source for the news of Mike Tomlin stepping down.
  • Kevin Stefanski - Mentioned as a potential coaching candidate for the Steelers.
  • John Harbaugh - Mentioned as a potential coaching candidate for the Giants and in comparison to other coaches.
  • Mike Vrabel - Mentioned as a type of coach and in comparison to other coaching candidates.
  • Sean Payton - Mentioned in relation to his transition from coaching to broadcasting and his move to the Denver Broncos.
  • Aaron Rodgers - Discussed in relation to potential team fits and his attractiveness as a quarterback for coaching candidates.
  • Jalen Ramsey - Mentioned as a player on an aging roster.
  • Darius Slay - Mentioned as a player on an aging roster.
  • Brian Daboll - Mentioned as a potential coaching candidate, particularly for the Titans.
  • Daniel Jones - Mentioned in relation to Brian Daboll's coaching tenure with the Giants.
  • Cam Ward - Mentioned as a talented quarterback for the Titans.
  • Mike Borgazi - Mentioned as the new GM for the Titans.
  • Chad Brinker - Mentioned as the new President for the Titans.
  • Amy Adams Strunk - Mentioned as the owner of the Titans.
  • Matt LaFleur - Head coach of the Green Bay Packers, discussed in relation to their playoff loss.
  • Ben Johnson - Mentioned as a coaching candidate and in relation to his work with the Lions and Caleb Williams.
  • Liam Cohen - Mentioned as a coaching candidate and in relation to his work with the Colts and Trevor Lawrence.
  • Mike McDonald - Mentioned as a defensive coach and in relation to his work with the Seahawks.
  • Marcus Freeman - Mentioned as a potential NFL candidate.
  • Clint Kubiak - Mentioned as a coaching candidate with the Seahawks.
  • Nick Caserio - Mentioned in relation to the Houston Texans' past organizational issues.
  • Demeco Ryans - Head coach of the Houston Texans, discussed in relation to organizational change.
  • Pete Carroll - Former head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, discussed in relation to his departure.
  • Andy Reid - Head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, mentioned as a potential retirement candidate.
  • Mike McCarthy - Mentioned as a potential candidate for the Steelers job and in relation to his Pittsburgh roots.
  • Dak Prescott - Mentioned in relation to Mike McCarthy's tenure with the Dallas Cowboys.
  • Tristan Wirfs - Mentioned in relation to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive line.
  • Gronk - Mentioned in relation to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
  • Jason Light - Mentioned as a GM for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
  • Justin Herbert - Mentioned as a quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers.
  • Trevor Lawrence - Mentioned as a quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
  • Caleb Williams - Mentioned as a talented quarterback prospect.
  • Lamar Jackson - Quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, discussed as a key factor for the Ravens job.
  • J.J. McCarthy - Mentioned in relation to the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback situation.
  • DK Metcalf - Mentioned as a player for the Seattle Seahawks.
  • Broderick Jones - Mentioned as a player for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
  • Ty Simpson - Mentioned as a potential draft pick for the Steelers.
  • Fernando Mendoza - Mentioned as a quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders.
  • Jerod Mayo - Head coach of the New England Patriots, discussed in relation to following Bill Belichick.
  • Bill Belichick - Former head coach of the New England Patriots, discussed in relation to Jerod Mayo taking over.
  • Art Rooney II - Released a statement regarding Mike Tomlin's departure.
  • Greg Roman - Mentioned in relation to his time as a coordinator for the Ravens.
  • Todd Monken - Mentioned as a coordinator hired by the Ravens.
  • Jalen Hurts - Mentioned in relation to the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • A.J. Brown - Mentioned in relation to the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • Brandon Graham - Mentioned in relation to the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • Nick Sirianni - Head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, discussed in relation to potential changes.
  • Sean McVay - Head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, mentioned as a benchmark for coaching success.
  • Jim Harbaugh - Mentioned as a coach and in relation to his potential move to the NFL.
  • Mike McDaniel - Head coach of the Miami Dolphins, discussed in relation to his coaching tenure.
  • Bill Kraft - Mentioned as an owner in New England.
  • Hugh - Mentioned in relation to the Houston Texans.
  • Jimmy Johnson - Mentioned in relation to broadcasting and fishing.
  • Jalen Carter - Mentioned as a player for the Philadelphia Eagles.
  • Broderick Jones - Mentioned as a player for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Organizations & Institutions

  • Pittsburgh Steelers - NFL team, subject of discussion regarding Mike Tomlin's departure and coaching search.
  • Fox Sports Radio - Radio network where "The Herd" is broadcast.
  • iheart radio app - Platform for listening to podcasts.
  • Apple Podcasts - Platform for listening to podcasts.
  • The Athletic - Publication where Robert Mays works.
  • Grantland - Former publication where Robert Mays worked.
  • The Ringer - Former publication where Robert Mays worked.
  • New York Giants - NFL team, discussed as a potential destination for coaches.
  • Baltimore Ravens - NFL team, discussed in relation to their quarterback and coaching vacancy.
  • Cleveland Browns - NFL team, mentioned in relation to Kevin Stefanski.
  • Tennessee Titans - NFL team, discussed as a potential coaching destination.
  • Atlanta Falcons - NFL team, mentioned as having a coaching vacancy.
  • Arizona Cardinals - NFL team, mentioned as having a coaching vacancy.
  • Las Vegas Raiders - NFL team, mentioned as having a coaching vacancy.
  • Miami Dolphins - NFL team, mentioned as having a coaching vacancy.
  • Green Bay Packers - NFL team, discussed in relation to Matt LaFleur's coaching.
  • Dallas Cowboys - NFL team, discussed in relation to Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott.
  • Los Angeles Rams - NFL team, mentioned in relation to Sean McVay.
  • Seattle Seahawks - NFL team, discussed in relation to Mike McDonald and Pete Carroll.
  • Minnesota Vikings - NFL team, discussed in relation to their quarterback situation.
  • Philadelphia Eagles - NFL team, discussed in relation to their coaching situation.
  • Buffalo Bills - NFL team, discussed in relation to their coaching situation.
  • New England Patriots - NFL team, discussed in relation to Jerod Mayo and Bill Belichick.
  • Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department - Mentioned in relation to the "Valley of Shadows" podcast.
  • Pushkin Industries - Producer of the "Valley of Shadows" podcast.
  • Notre Dame - Mentioned in relation to Marcus Freeman.
  • Detroit Lions - Mentioned in relation to Ben Johnson.
  • Indianapolis Colts - Mentioned in relation to Liam Cohen.
  • Denver Broncos - NFL team, mentioned in relation to Sean Payton.
  • Houston Texans - NFL team, discussed in relation to past organizational issues and Demeco Ryans.
  • Chicago Bears - NFL team, discussed in relation to ownership and reputation.
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers - NFL team, mentioned in relation to their offensive line and Super Bowl win.
  • Kansas City Chiefs - NFL team, mentioned in relation to Andy Reid.

Podcasts & Audio

  • The Herd - Podcast where the discussion took place.
  • How to Money - Podcast mentioned for financial advice.
  • Lines and Times with Spencer Graves - Podcast for hunters and fishermen.
  • Next Question with Katie Couric - Podcast discussing news and current events.
  • Valley of Shadows - Podcast series from Pushkin Industries about crime and corruption.
  • The Athletic Football Show - Podcast hosted by Robert Mays.

Websites & Online Resources

  • questhealth.com - Website for purchasing lab tests.
  • wasabi.com - Website for cloud storage services.
  • foxsportsradio.com - Website to find local stations for "The Herd."
  • youtube.com - Platform where Fox Sports Radio content is available.

Other Resources

  • Quest Elite Health Profile - A lab test panel offered by Quest.
  • Wasabi Intelligent Media Storage - A cloud storage service.
  • Project 2025 - Mentioned in relation to David Graham's discussion on "Next Question."
  • PFF (Pro Football Focus) - Mentioned as a data source.
  • NFL (National Football League) - Professional American football league.
  • AFC North - Division within the NFL.
  • PFF (Pro Football Focus) - Data source for player grading.

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