Mike Tomlin is proving that he's paying attention to the modern NFL passing attack this offseason.
The Super Bowl-winning head coach promised to make a schematic change to the defense after the Pittsburgh Steelers traded for All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and signed All-Pro Darius Slay in free agency.
Tomlin told reporters before Tuesday's practice that he wants the defense to play more man coverage in the upcoming season.
"We are going to play man," Tomlin said via Mark Kaboly of "The Pat McAfee Show." "That’s what we are going to do. This is a coverage league. You need unbelievable depth and talent at the cornerback position, because people have it in their receiver corps.
"We use a variety of schematics in an effort to minimize passing offenses. You've got to be able to play matchup football, play man-to-man, particularly against the elite and deep groups. The talent we acquired in that position, particularly the cornerback position, allows us to do that in all circumstances.”
With Jalen Ramsey now on board, Mike Tomlin isn’t bashful about expectations
— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) July 29, 2025
Mark Kaboly / Steelers Correspondent
For The @PatMcAfeeShow
PITTSBURGH — Mike Tomlin has never been bashful – it’s just not a trait of his and never will be.
Tomlin pretty much tells you what he… pic.twitter.com/cirhqecubv
Per a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article dated Dec. 18, the Steelers used a zone-heavy scheme on third-down passing situations last season, being in zone more on third down than any other defense in the league. At the time that article was published, Pittsburgh ranked 27th for using man coverage on third down.
Tomlin has confidence that his secondary can stand up in man coverage against any receiver corps in the league.
“Things depend on what offenses are doing,” Tomlin said. “Make no mistake, those top three corners I mentioned, Jalen Ramsey and Slay and Joey Porter Jr., they're going to be on the field. I don't care (what) offenses come out in.”
The Steelers shouldn't have added Slay and Ramsey unless they planned to be aggressive on defense. Those moves reflect Pittsburgh's desire to go all-in in the upcoming season with veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers on the roster.
The change also shows Tomlin's willingness to adapt. He understands how important passing schemes are to an offense, as evidenced by his push for Rodgers and wide receiver DK Metcalf.
By all appearances, the Steelers will be much different in 2025.
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