Former Steelers player reveals why Mike Tomlin's coaching style works wonders
16 years is a long time to keep any job, let alone an NFL head coaching job. But Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers are still going strong, with no signs of a breakup any time soon. Posting winning season after winning season is a huge reason why Tomlin is considered one of the best […]
16 years is a long time to keep any job, let alone an NFL head coaching job. But Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers are still going strong, with no signs of a breakup any time soon.
Posting winning season after winning season is a huge reason why Tomlin is considered one of the best at what he does, but generating that consistent success comes from more than what happens 17 Sundays a year.
Former Steelers defensive back Ryan Mundy saw it first hand during the first four years of his career.
In an appearance in the Locked On Sports Minnesota podcast, Mundy touched about Tomlin being labeled as a "player's coach," and how that descriptor was more layered than the public would think.
“Sometimes a player’s coach may not have the best connotation to it because you might think they’re soft, but that was not the case. When Mike T was talking to you, you knew he meant business. That was the great things about him. He was relatable but that authoritative figure and leader of men that he needed to be, particularly as the head coach of the organization. At that time, he was under 40, so he’s coaching James Farrior who's 32.” – Mundy on Tomlin's coaching style
Mundy brings up an excellent point. To be respected as a leader, you must be both relatable, and authoritative. If you lean too much to one side, your message won't be received as well.
The results Tomlin's produced has certainly helped him continue his style of leadership, as winning usually garners belief out of the majority. Staying true to his character has only strengthened the culture he's built in Pittsburgh.
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Featured image via © Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
