Tomlin vs Cowher

[NorthCoast]

Consider:

M Tomlin is currently 30 gms over 0.500 for his career.
B Cowher, at the same point in his career, was 26 gms over 0.500.

M Tomlin has a career win % 0.634, Cowher retired with 0.623.

M Tomlin has 71 wins, B Cowher at the same point had 77 wins.

M Tomlin has 2 AFC Championships, B Cowher at the same point had 1.

25% of Cowher's seasons were 0.500 or less. Tomlin is currently at 29% with two non-win seasons.


People like to think Cowher > Tomlin but it looks to me like they are very similar in coaching their teams to wins. Those that claim Tomlin is "winning with B Cowher's players" need also consider B Cowher won with C Noll's players.

Avg yrs experience for players on Cowher's first team: 4.4
Avg yrs experience for players on Tomlin's first team: 4.9

[birtikidis]

The only big difference is that Tomlin did inherit a great qb. that makes a difference.
course cowher inherited a great defense.
I'm not sure how it evens out, but having ben in a passing league is pretty darn important.

[NorthCoast]

The only big difference is that Tomlin did inherit a great qb. that makes a difference.
course cowher inherited a great defense.
I'm not sure how it evens out, but having ben in a passing league is pretty darn important.

And of course, there is a 'yes but':

Cowher's first year with Roethlisberger: 15-1, second year 11-5, third year 8-8...... then decides to throw in the towel and get on with his life's work....

[Rod Polamalu]

Coach Cowher embodied all which Coach Knoll brought to Pittsburgh,.. all that we and our children will always consider the tradition and or code and standard that is Steeler Football.

May Tomlin maintain the best of as much at worst, and at best build and solidify a Legacy worthy of the House.

[Shawn]

I personally don't think Cowher>Tomlin. But, when you start 0-4 off the back of an 8-8 no playoff season, I will ask some questions. Such as, was Tomlin's early success with Cowhers leadership and talent?

Also, you are comparing apples to oranges. Cowher had to come in and clean house, hiring all new staff and immediately turned a losing ball club around. Tomlin stepped into an indeal situation with a primed team with a franchise QB. His stats had better be better than Cowhers.

With all of that said (just to keep the discussion honest)...Tomlin proved something to me this season. He proved to me that he could coach a team up who was struggling...he could coach from adversity. I was actually impressed by the adjustments Tomlin and Haley made midstream.

[steelblood]

And of course, there is a 'yes but':

Cowher's first year with Roethlisberger: 15-1, second year 11-5, third year 8-8...... then decides to throw in the towel and get on with his life's work....

Of course there is a "yes but" that is how discussion boards work. Did you simply want every one to read and agree with you?

[feltdizz]

With all of that said (just to keep the discussion honest)...Tomlin proved something to me this season. He proved to me that he could coach a team up who was struggling...he could coach from adversity. I was actually impressed by the adjustments Tomlin and Haley made midstream.

This right here^^^

This was one of Tomlin's most impressive seasons IMO. Most people predicted 4-12 or 5-11... and he managed to get us to 8-8 and it took everything KC and the refs had to keep us out of the playoffs.

[Eich]

This right here^^^

This was one of Tomlin's most impressive seasons IMO. Most people predicted 4-12 or 5-11... and he managed to get us to 8-8 and it took everything KC and the refs had to keep us out of the playoffs.

Going from a 2-6 start to a 6-2 finish was showing promise. But IMO, the loss to the Cheaters was embarrassing. The staff waited too long to make the necessary adjustments on offense - but at least they did and it worked. The defense is still a liability and losing to the 'Fins at home was awful. For 2014, the offense is pointed in the right direction if they don't go back to their old ways. But the defense could be painful to watch if we don't get some young people who can contribute right away.

[Shawn]

This right here^^^

This was one of Tomlin's most impressive seasons IMO. Most people predicted 4-12 or 5-11... and he managed to get us to 8-8 and it took everything KC and the refs had to keep us out of the playoffs.

I'll actually agree with you. He took a team that is almost entirely his...got kicked in the teeth...and didn't fold it up and go home. He then coached a down team to an impressive second half of a season...almost getting them to the playoffs. It gave me much needed information on Tomlin that I didn't have before...what would happen when the chips were down?

[Oviedo]

With all of that said (just to keep the discussion honest)...Tomlin proved something to me this season. He proved to me that he could coach a team up who was struggling...he could coach from adversity. I was actually impressed by the adjustments Tomlin and Haley made midstream.

+1. While it won't ever be enough for the "haters" Tomlin proved this season exactly why the Rooneys hired him and will keep him for a good long while.

[Sugar]

+1. While it won't ever be enough for the "haters" Tomlin proved this season exactly why the Rooneys hired him and will keep him for a good long while.

Agreed. Many coaches would have lost the locker room after that start. I'll also point out that outsiders who observe Tomlin on the job seem to always come away impressed.

[Steelhere10]

Agreed. Many coaches would have lost the locker room after that start. I'll also point out that outsiders who observe Tomlin on the job seem to always come away impressed.

+1 on Shawn and Felt and this.

[fezziwig]

I believe it's Tomlins fault from the start that his team struggled at the start. Yeah congratulate him that he got things finally moving but he is also the person that couldn't have his team ready for the past three game openers. If he had won one of those games or the opener what I really mean there, could be an argument for him. I know there are injuries and what team doesn't have them. The injury to Pouncey was a blessing in my opinion because the new guy was better. Should also show the light to the front office that, Pouncey isn't anyone to empty the piggy bank over. Not trying to hijack this thread with Pouncey. Good job to Tomlin for digging his way to 8-8 only after he came into another season unprepared. And to lose the home opener against the Titans......... He better go back to coaching 101 again.

[fezziwig]

I'm not a Tomlin hater because I felt Cowher could have got this team back to a Super Bowl let alone win one. Tomlin was the right enthusiasm and lets take the handcuffs off the assistant coaches at the right time kind of guy. I doubt we would have ever seen the James Harrison that made our defense and success what it was under Tomlin. It was Cowhers time to go...Also, I hate to bash Cowher too much because I'm sure he had more important things on his mind with his wife having cancer.

[squidkid]

i just cant be impressed with a .500 season.
i dont care if they started 0-8 and finished 8-0, 2-6 or 6-2 or anything in between. bottom line is there was some terrible play/coaching during a 16 game season. making the playoffs is based on 16 games, not the first half of a season, or the last or the middle. if finishing strong is enough for you guys, congrats on the successful season and top notch coach