Wednesday, August 29, 2007

The Mike Tomlin Era

September 9, 2007 kicks-off the official beginning of the Mike Tomlin era with the Steelers. Of course, we got a glimpse of the new head coach's style and temperament during the preseason -- and I for one have liked pretty much everything I've read and seen about the team's new leader.

Tomlin seems to be the kind of guy who will remain in control of his emotions, if not his entire staff and team, as the games proceed. DeShea Townsend remarked that Tomlin is a "cool cat," when the coach showed up wearing long sleeves and long pants for the first day of camp in Latrobe's overbearing late-Summer heat. And Tomlin's own comments about
preparation and competence, and the remarks by Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney have hit home over the course of the four preseason skirmishes (I hate calling them games when they don't count!) conducted so far.

"For Pittsburgh's Tomlin, It's All About The Details," USA Today: With the Rooneys, it was all about competence; that Tomlin was then 34 didn't bother them.


"We don't have a prohibition against hiring young coaches," Rooney says. "Chuck Noll was 35, Bill was 34. Mike fell into the same age bracket they did. But that's not why you hire somebody, because they can relate to younger players. You hire them because they can do the job regardless of age."


Then Rooney adds, "If we didn't hire him this year, somebody else would soon."


Tomorrow (Thursday, 8/30) is the final preseason game. Coach Tomlin is telling everybody that the goal is to focus on this game, now, and then to turn their attention to the opener after this final exhibition is over. It's supposedly a new strategy, since Cowher in past years had used one practice per week to prepare for the opening game opponent. But if there were any team that was ready for a break from tradition and a fresh perspective on doing things, it just may be the newly mascoted (? is that a word?) Steelers.

Is it kick-off time in Cleveland yet? This fan is ready for the new era to begin.

No comments: