Mike Tomlin Set To Follow Chuck Noll's Path

[hawaiiansteel]

Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike Tomlin Set To Follow Chuck Noll's Path

May 18, 2012



The Pittsburgh Steelers football organization prides itself on stability and continuity. To that end, the Steelers have had exactly three head coaches since the start of the 1969 season; one of the coaches is in the Hall of Fame, the second is probably one tier below that, and the third is off to an excellent start.

Chuck Noll was one of the great old-time coaches, along with the likes of Vince Lombardi, Tom Landry and Don Shula. The Steelers won four Super Bowls during his 23-year tenure.

Noll was followed by Bill Cowher, a fiery, heart-on-his-sleeve coach (and former player) who took his teams to a pair of Super Bowls – winning one – in his 15 seasons.

And now Mike Tomlin, the very definition of cool, has completed five extremely successful seasons in Pittsburgh. His squads have reached two Super Bowls, winning one.

As Tomlin prepares for his sixth season at the helm, here’s a comparison of the first five seasons of his two immediate predecessors:

Chuck Noll’s first 5 seasons (1969-1973)

Regular-season record: 33-37 (.471)
Division titles: 2
Playoff record: 1-2
Super Bowls: no appearances

Bill Cowher’s first 5 seasons (1992-1996)

Regular-season record: 53-29 (.646)
Division titles: 4
Playoff record: 4-5
Super Bowls: 0-1

Mike Tomlin’s first five seasons (2007-2011)

Regular-season record: 55-25 (.68
Division titles: 4
Playoff record: 5-3
Super Bowls: 1-1

Each coach’s first five seasons were remarkable for different reasons.

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[steelblood]

Tomlin is a good coach who will continue to grow and progress. He does not have a huge ego and has his players best interests in mind. He deserves an extension. Get 'er done. Four year extension please.

[NorthCoast]

Noll's record is even more impressive when you consider the fact that he inherited a perennial losing franchise. Turning around a franchise into a perennial powerhouse is no easy task,... many have attempted, few have attained.

[pfelix73]

Ha. You can't compare the last 2 to the Emperor and what he did. Not at this point you can't. Let's see where we are after, say 10 years with Tomlin- if he makes it that long...Which, there's no reason why he shouldn't, unless he really screws some things up...

Chuck Noll, Vince Lombardy, Tom Landry, Don Shula, Bill Walsh..... Those guys are in a class all to themselves.....

[Sugar]

Noll's record is even more impressive when you consider the fact that he inherited a perennial losing franchise. Turning around a franchise into a perennial powerhouse is no easy task,... many have attempted, few have attained.

There also had to be some changes in the organization for that to work as well. The talent that this team got in the 1970's didn't just grow on trees. The scouting department at that time really caught fire as well.