The debate about Mike Tomlin’s coaching abilities has been a longstanding one. While some argue that he’s one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, others claim that he’s overrated. Statistics, however, paint a different picture.
A closer examination of Tomlin’s coaching record reveals some startling trends. Since 2011, Tomlin’s playoff record stands at 3-6, including a string of embarrassing losses to teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Cleveland Browns.
In regular season games, Tomlin’s teams often struggle against top-tier opponents. Since 2015, the Steelers are 10-15 against teams that finish with a winning record. This raises questions about Tomlin’s ability to prepare his team for big games.
One of Tomlin’s supposed strengths is his ability to develop quarterbacks. However, since Ben Roethlisberger’s prime, the Steelers have struggled to find consistent quarterback play. Mason Rudolph, Joshua Dobbs, and Kenny Pickett have all had their ups and downs under Tomlin’s guidance.
Tomlin has also been criticized for his questionable in-game decisions, particularly when it comes to clock management and challenge flags. According to data from the past five seasons, Tomlin’s teams have lost an average of 1.5 games per season due to poor clock management.
Furthermore, Tomlin’s teams often seem stuck in their ways, relying on outdated schemes and philosophies. This lack of adaptability has led to some embarrassing losses, including a 51-10 thrashing at the hands of the New England Patriots in 2016.
While Tomlin’s overall coaching record is impressive, his recent performance has been underwhelming. With a talented roster and a loyal fan base, the Steelers should be competing for championships, not struggling to make the playoffs.
As the Steelers embark on another offseason, fans are left wondering if Tomlin is the right man for the job. While statistics don’t tell the whole story, they do provide a glimpse into Tomlin’s coaching abilities. Perhaps it’s time to reevaluate his status as one of the NFL’s elite coaches.
Only time will tell if Tomlin can turn things around and lead the Steelers to another championship. But for now, the statistics speak for themselves.
