Mike Tomlin wants time with family, not likely to coach in near future
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Why did Mike Tomlin initially not get the head coach job?
All right. Wonder twin without further ado, let's get back to art. All right.
Let's roll along, Joe.
You know, I don't want to put an exact timeframe on it. We'll, you know, we'll get started right away and, uh, you know, it'll take weeks at least I would say, um, you know, nowadays there are a number of, uh, protocols we have to follow that are, are sort of really designed to slow the process down. And so, uh, uh, As I say, it'll probably take at least a few weeks.
You guys haven't done this very often over the years, but you've had it tight. Does young, up-and-coming defensive coordinator still work as a blueprint, or why don't you expand that?
You know, for now, I don't want to sort of put any real parameters around it. We're going to be an open book in terms of who we look for and the list that we build. So, yeah. Could I sign up for another Chuck Knoll or another Bill Cowher or another Mike Tomlin? Sure.
That was good stuff there. To me, it wasn't so much the defensive coordinator part. At least I don't think that got those guys those jobs. I think, again, I'll use that term force of personality. And I know with the Chuck Knoll situation, I talked to Mary Ann Knoll about how The day after the Baltimore Colts lost that Super Bowl to the Jets, to the Joe Namath Jets, one of the most crushing losses you could ever have. Knoll was the defensive coordinator for Don Shula's Colts. And she told me that the next morning at that hotel in Miami, Chuck Knoll was meeting with Dan Rooney. And who comes and knocks on her door but Don Shula. And he says to Mary Ann Knoll, listen, if the Roonies offer, because it was Buffalo and Boston, then the Boston Patriots were after Chuck.
He said, if the Roonies offer, take that job. They're good people. And what was impressing Dan Rooney in that interview, even as that was happening, was his encyclopedic knowledge already of the Steelers and his Personality, what's a better word for that? His presence, his presence is what got him the job.
What factors influenced the decision to hire Mike Tomlin?
Bill Cowher's presence. You could see it the first time he ever took the sidelines for the Steelers. And Tomlin was probably the most dramatic example. They gave the job to Russ Grimm. He had the job. He was ready to go to a news conference. He told at least one reporter in town that he had the job and that everything was set. And they changed their minds at the last second. because of what Mike Tomlin had done in that interview, which was just blow them away.
Another guy who was in that conversation for that head coaching job was Ken Wisenhunt, too, because he was a good offensive guy. And then you're right, this charismatic player person comes over here expresses everything he's intending to do how he's going to do it you could be swayed by that and i think that's in any job interview if you come in with a tremendous first session in front of someone man they're going to remember that and it could influence how they do it so i won't say that it doesn't have to be a defensive guy by the way just because that's what i'm saying it could be anyone as long as you fit you know that kind of uh profile
I'm not sure it wasn't just a coincidence that all three were defensive coordinators. And I realize that defense in many ways has been the calling card. Go back to the Steel Curtain and Blitzburg and some of Tomlin's early defenses. I get it. But, I mean, Dick LeBeau was here. Bud Carson was here. Right? You had other guys. I just think what won the day... and won them the job with all three was, yes, their presence the minute they walked into that room. I don't think Art is sitting there saying we have to get a defensive coordinator guy. It works either way. You can have Ben Johnson, who cut his teeth and made his name on offense and his call and plays, or it can be Mike McDonald, who might have the best team in football, who's a defensive guy.
It doesn't matter. You want offense? Hire Josh McDaniel. Mike Vrabel's a defensive guy. He handed the offense to a great offensive coach in Josh McDaniels.
How does Mike Tomlin's presence impact coaching interviews?
It's more about are you going to be the CEO of this football team, the general of this football team moving forward, and how do you carry yourself in that interview, I think.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
Why did Mike Tomlin initially not get the head coach job?
0:00–2:37
2
What factors influenced the decision to hire Mike Tomlin?
2:37–4:35
3
How does Mike Tomlin's presence impact coaching interviews?
4:35–7:14
4
What characteristics are important for a new head coach?
7:14–9:02
5
What are the implications of Mike Tomlin's contract situation?
9:02–10:51
6
How does Mike Tomlin's desire for family time affect his coaching future?
10:51–12:08
7
What does the Steelers' coaching search process look like?
12:08–14:06
8
How will the Steelers adapt without Mike Tomlin's influence?
14:06–17:14
Speakers
5 identifiedMore from The Pomp And Joe Show
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