Pittsburgh Review

In a recent interview, Coach Mike Tomlin shared insights on the unique qualities that former head coaches bring to his staff, the physical nature of training camps, and the importance of joint practices.

When asked about assistants with head coaching experience like Arthur Smith, Tomlin highlighted their broad perspective and ability to contribute beyond their designated roles. "They have a global set of eyes based on their experience," he said. This allows them to assist in various tasks, such as calendar creation and structural responsibilities, thereby lightening Tomlin's load.

Tomlin acknowledged that Smith's previous role as a head coach would influence his play-calling. "I think that when you've been a head coach, it forever changes you in a lot of ways as it pertains to ball and coaching," he noted.

Discussing the physicality of football, Tomlin agreed with Chuck Noll's assertion that "playing football is not normal human behavior." He emphasized the need for players to develop an appetite for the game's violence and hone those skills through physical training camps. "It is my job to ready them for the fights that await," he stated.

Tomlin also addressed his approach to giving veteran players time off during training camp. He uses both a formula and gut feeling to decide when to dial back activities for experienced players like Cam Heyward and T.J. Watt. "I want to give those guys enough to be ready for the regular season opener," he explained.

Reflecting on his own experiences as a young assistant coach, Tomlin stressed the importance of patience and mentorship from senior coaches like Tony Dungy and Jon Gruden. "It's my job to cultivate that [leadership aptitude], help them grow," he said.

The conversation also touched on opportunities arising from player injuries, such as Russell Wilson's calf injury creating chances for Justin Fields and Kyle Allen. "Exposure is good... it's been an increased exposure, an accelerated understanding," Tomlin remarked.

Looking ahead to preseason games, Tomlin expressed a desire for fundamental excellence over spectacular plays. He acknowledged that teams like the Texans, who participated in the Hall of Fame Game, might be further along in their development but saw this as a beneficial challenge.

Regarding new kickoff rules, Tomlin plans a cautious approach initially focused on understanding rather than strategy. On joint practices with Buffalo Bills' Coach Sean McDermott, whom he has known since youth, Tomlin cited mutual respect as key to maintaining professionalism.

Finally, Tomlin clarified that playing time in preseason games is earned through practice performance but emphasized that all players would participate at some point during evaluations.