Mike Tomlin, These are YOUR Pittsburgh Steelers

While experiencing success as head coach of the storied Pittsburgh Steelers franchise, it has been hypothesized that a large part of that success is credited to Mike Tomlin inheriting a dominant team left behind by former head coach Bill Cowher.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach since 2007, Mike Tomlin - photo courtesy of AP.

Now in the ninth season as head coach, Mike Tomlin has only a remnant remaining of the defensive powerhouse that was the Pittsburgh Steelers when he stepped into his new job prior to the 2007 season.  The Steelers were only two years (or one season) removed from a Super Bowl XL Championship team, led by a defense that was top five in total yards allowed (4th), total points allowed (T-3rd), and rush defense (3rd, 86.0 YPG), and an offense that was top five in rushing (5th).

Fast-forward to 2015.  Of the Championship Pittsburgh Steelers team mentioned above, only four players remain today, with only one of those players on the defensive side of the ball.  Ben Roethlisberger, Heath Miller (both on offense), Greg Warren, and James Harrison are the only players who still find themselves fighting for a third Super Bowl championship whose journeys all started out with Bill Cowher at the helm.  Of the 53 players that make up an NFL team roster, precisely 7.5% of Tomlin's team are Cowher leftovers.

While only two years ago the team still contained a fair-share of the former coach's draft selections and undrafted free agents, it is safe to say that as of 2015, the Pittsburgh Steelers is now Mike Tomlin's team.  With that said, it is worth noting that how Tomlin has taken over this team is to be commended.  He respected the lives and careers of the coaches Cowher had in place, and for the most part held on to the staff left behind, which is a stark contrast to what occurs when a regime change takes place in the NFL.  Tomlin has slowly transitioned to coordinators and coaches he has influenced the hiring on.  So it will be interesting to see if the former defensive backs coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and former defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings can carry over such success as five interceptions in a Super Bowl victory (2003 Tampa Bay), or leading the league in fewest yards allowed against the run (2006 Vikings) with now having complete control over the once feared Pittsburgh Steelers.

The intention of this article was to provide a compare and contrast between the last Cowher year (2006 season) and the most recent Tomlin year in terms of offensive and defensive performance.  However, that analysis will be more analytically appealing after the 2015 season.  I will, however, end with this:  Mr. Tomlin, here are the keys to the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The team is completely yours, but there are a few things you will need to take note.  While the roster is brand new and under your control, there is a tradition that is old, vintage, steeped in pride and worn proudly... the Steelers own an image of being intimidating to opposing teams around the league.  Every contest may not have been won, but the opposition left the field knowing they just played the Pittsburgh Steelers.  The offense imposes it will on defenses by stuffing the ball between tackles and wearing down linebackers and defensive backs.  The defense ran ferociously and furiously around the field, making ball carriers think twice about touching the ball.  We trust you to drive this new team in the manner you deem efficient, but we will demand you carry on the tradition of this great franchise, where our "heads [may be] bloodied, but unbowed."  I know you know where that comes from, now feed your team on it.

Mike Tomlin, we present to you, the Pittsburgh Steelers.