Former Steelers HC Mike Tomlin makes strong first impression as NBC analyst

He began Thursday's pregame show by interviewing Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, and continued with more leaguewide analysis.

One of his best lines came when he was asked about which division was the best in the NFL. 

He responded with "the NFC West. It's 'Game of Thrones' out west. Everyone dies." 

The big question is going to be when the real games start and the more in-depth commentary and analysis will need to be delivered.

Will he be willing to be critical of coaches given his recent role?

Will he be willing to potentially rock the boat and be critical of teams without fear of them holding it against him should he want to get back into coaching? When former NFL head coach Jon Gruden took over as a Monday night analyst, for example, he never said a negative thing about anybody (team or player), and it always seemed like a transparent attempt to keep teams from getting mad about objective criticism.  

But all of that brings up another far more important question: Will Tomlin even want to get back into coaching?

As his Pittsburgh predecessor, Bill Cowher, has shown, going from the sidelines to the TV studio can be a pretty good gig if you can get it. It not only still gives you a hefty paycheck and keeps you in the game, but it does all of that without having to put in the endless hours and having to deal with the scrutiny, pressure and criticism that comes with being an NFL head coach.

Cowher never looked back as soon as he got a taste of the broadcast world.

Tomlin might follow in those footsteps. He showed on Thursday he certainly has the potential to stay right where he is.