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Tomlin: Steelers will deal with distractions
By Scott Brown, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, July 26, 2009
[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_635342.html"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 35342.html[/url]
Mike Tomlin has said he will not use the term "repeat" when it comes to the Steelers' quest for another Super Bowl title.
That does not mean the Steelers coach won't acknowledge the increased scrutiny and demands the Steelers will face this season because they are the reigning champions.
"My mentality in regard to distractions is changing, and that's probably how I'm growing into the job," Tomlin said. "If you're going to be good, distractions are a part of it. I'm more concerned about embracing that and dealing with it and performing in the midst of it as opposed to being resistant to it."
Tomlin took the same approach in the week leading up to Super Bowl XLIII. He told his players to appreciate all that comes with playing in one of the biggest showcases in sports, including the daily sessions with the media.
He apparently will adhere to a similar philosophy when it comes to the upcoming season.
"We've got a desire to be consistently good, a world-championship caliber team," Tomlin said. "You've got to acknowledge some attention, some potential distractions. I'm not running away from that. I want to make sure we're very good at dealing with that and staying singularly focused on what's important."
Tomlin said the Steelers have to stay focused on improving — and that includes him.
"I better get better, and getting better doesn't necessarily always mean a better outcome," said Tomlin, who won a Super Bowl at age 36, making him the youngest coach to accomplish that feat. "I understand that. I'm always trying to be the best I can be. I'm as critical of myself as anyone. I think that's appropriate from a leadership standpoint. Hopefully I'll do a cleaner, more efficient job of (coaching) in '09."
By Scott Brown, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, July 26, 2009
[url="http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/steelers/s_635342.html"]http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsbu ... 35342.html[/url]
Mike Tomlin has said he will not use the term "repeat" when it comes to the Steelers' quest for another Super Bowl title.
That does not mean the Steelers coach won't acknowledge the increased scrutiny and demands the Steelers will face this season because they are the reigning champions.
"My mentality in regard to distractions is changing, and that's probably how I'm growing into the job," Tomlin said. "If you're going to be good, distractions are a part of it. I'm more concerned about embracing that and dealing with it and performing in the midst of it as opposed to being resistant to it."
Tomlin took the same approach in the week leading up to Super Bowl XLIII. He told his players to appreciate all that comes with playing in one of the biggest showcases in sports, including the daily sessions with the media.
He apparently will adhere to a similar philosophy when it comes to the upcoming season.
"We've got a desire to be consistently good, a world-championship caliber team," Tomlin said. "You've got to acknowledge some attention, some potential distractions. I'm not running away from that. I want to make sure we're very good at dealing with that and staying singularly focused on what's important."
Tomlin said the Steelers have to stay focused on improving — and that includes him.
"I better get better, and getting better doesn't necessarily always mean a better outcome," said Tomlin, who won a Super Bowl at age 36, making him the youngest coach to accomplish that feat. "I understand that. I'm always trying to be the best I can be. I'm as critical of myself as anyone. I think that's appropriate from a leadership standpoint. Hopefully I'll do a cleaner, more efficient job of (coaching) in '09."
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