Mike Tomlin extended his record of no losing seasons ever to 17 years when the Pittsburgh Steelers beat Seattle last week.
That emboldened Tomlin’s defenders.
“The media is so dumb. Why do we do the media? Bunch of jackasses,” said Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce, taking a break from football and his alternate career as Mr. Taylor Swift to defend Tomlin. (Note to Kelce: Don’t “do” the media. Who needs you? You’ve never said anything interesting.)
Said ex-Pitt receiver Larry Fitzgerald, “It really bothers me to hear the slander of Coach Tomlin and how ungrateful some of these fans and pundits can be.”
“Ungrateful.” That’s got to make you roll your eyes.
Are Steelers fans supposed to be grateful for seven years without a playoff win? Or three playoff victories in 13 seasons?
Tomlin’s streak is among the most meaningless in sports. All it’s done is get the Steelers stuck in the mushy middle.
Tomlin’s biggest sleight-of-hand is making his results not matter in a results-based business. He’s considered a great coach no matter what. Just because.
But Bill Cowher was a much better coach.
Cowher coached the Steelers for 15 years. He had three losing seasons, but one of those resulted in drafting Ben Roethlisberger.
Like Tomlin, Cowher won a Super Bowl and lost a Super Bowl. Tomlin lost one AFC championship game. Cowher lost four.
All of Cowher’s defeats in AFC championship games came at home, which was disappointing. But at least Cowher got the Steelers into those games. Cowher never went more than three seasons without a playoff win.
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Cowher had Ben Roethlisberger only his last three years. Tomlin had Roethlisberger for 15 of his 17 seasons. Cowher made six AFC championship games with three different quarterbacks. He got to a Super Bowl with Neil O’Donnell at QB.
Tomlin’s best years were his first four. He was able to rely on Cowher’s players, leaders, culture and assistant coaches.
The record easily favors Cowher. But the players love Coach T.
By the way, Fitzgerald doesn’t understand what “slander” means. Roll over, Aaron Rodgers, and tell Jimmy Kimmel the news.