With the NFL season rolling on, the players aren’t the only ones making headlines on the field. Coz the coaching legends are shaping the game from the sidelines. Amidst discussions of strategy, success, and fan expectations, Mike Tomlin’s name continues to come up. And well, it’s drawing both praise and scrutiny. 

In the whirlwind of NFL chatter, it’s Ryan Clark, the former Steelers safety turned savvy analyst, stepping up to the plate for Mike Tomlin. On ESPN’s Unsportsmanlike, he dropped a truth bomb. “You do know the only people that don’t like Mike Tomlin are people in Pittsburgh, right?… Everybody else in the entire world wants Mike Tomlin to coach their football team.” Ouch! That hits hard for the critics huddled up in their Pittsburgh caves.

And let’s face it, the Steelers have a rich history. Six Super Bowl trophies glitter in the trophy case, and that historical bling sets expectations sky-high. Clark tore this down by stating, “Because Pittsburgh is spoiled, right?” Those 17 consecutive non-losing seasons should be celebrated, but instead, they’re glossed over. How about recognizing that not every season is going to end in confetti?

Tomlin’s also dealing with the ghost of Bill Cowher, who didn’t nail a Super Bowl win until his fourteenth try. Clark is reminding fans to chill a bit. Winning takes time. Sure, fans love to create narratives around Tomlin winning with Cowher’s players, but that narrative doesn’t paint the full picture of the challenges Tomlin faced. If you ask Clark, they need to see the bigger vibe and realize it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, even in the Steel City.

Tomlin’s call to bring Russell Wilson back as the starter was a bold move. And, guess what? It’s paying off! Tomlin’s juggling for talent is better than a pro clown at a kids’ party. And that’s saying something!

The spoiled fan base and Tomlin’s consistency

Let’s dig into why the Steelers fan base has this “we demand perfection” vibe. With history comes high expectations, and right now, fans just aren’t satisfied with playoff appearances. Clark gets it; he’s been around long enough to see how expectations skew everything. “When you win six championships… getting to the playoffs isn’t enough,” he said and, man, he’s right. The disappointment runs deep if you’re judging success by how many shiny Lombardi trophies should be popping out each year.

Listen, Tomlin’s got a massive reputation hanging around his neck, and it’s not just Clark who’s vibing with that. Jayden Daniels, the quarterback for the Washington Commanders, is also singing Tomlin’s praises like it’s the latest hit song! He’s all, “Man, Mike Tomlin is a hell of a coach!” It’s clear Daniels sees Tomlin as a master tactician, and you know what? That admiration just underscores why everyone outside Pittsburgh wants him at the helm of their team!

Remember back in 2019 when Roethlisberger was sidelined? The whole team was ready to throw in the towel! Not on Tomlin’s watch. He held it together, ensuring the team didn’t drown in its challenges. And don’t forget last year’s three-game losing streak. Everyone panicked, but Tomlin rallied the troops, and they flipped the script to make the playoffs. That’s some serious coaching magic right there.

So, as the Steelers shoot for postseason glory yet again, let’s get real about the narrative surrounding Mike Tomlin. If fans can start appreciating the journey as much as the destination, they might just see Tomlin for the coach he truly is. Maybe even throw some cheers instead of jeers this season. Although the ultimate prize is the icing on the cake, let’s not forget that a well-crafted, consistent cake is pretty sweet in its own right.