Why Mike Tomlin remains Steelers' best offseason weapon
No matter what type of season the Steelers have, head coach Mike Tomlin keeps free agents wanting to come to Pittsburgh every year. But Tomlin, who has had the reputation of a players coach for some time now, continues to stand out from the rest for more than one reason.
No other head coach in the NFL takes advantage of scouting opportunities like the Senior Bowl more than Tomlin. Jim Nagy, an 18-year NFL scout, asked another head coach why all head coaches don't clear three days off their schedules to see over 40 percent of all drafted players.
His response: "They're lazy."
Tomlin proves that taking the extra time to see and talk with young prospects pays off. He just completed his 16th consecutive .500 or better season, which ranks as the third-best stretch for a coach in NFL history.
There are a couple of players to keep an eye on. Tomlin took extra time to speak with Ohio State's offensive tackle Dawand Jones and North Dakota State's offensive lineman Cody Mauch at the Senior Bowl.
From free agency to the draft, Tomlin has separated himself from the rest. And although it's been a quiet offseason thus far, Steelers fans should prepare to watch Tomlin work his magic again soon.
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