Steelers' Mike Tomlin Has "Magic Touch" With Worst Behaved Players; Other Coaches Wonderous "How In The H*** Does He Do It"

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin was just given a three-year extension by the organization, re-opening the debate about his ability to lead a successful team. Tomlin appears to have had a Hall of Fame coaching career, winning a Super Bowl and never having a losing season in his 17 years. 

However, Tomlin's detractors point out that winning seasons are not the goal; championships are, and he hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. They feel it is time for a change and weren't thrilled with the rumors that he is now the second-highest-paid coach in the NFL. 

Mike Florio recently joined The PM Team w/Poni & Mueller to discuss the extension. Florio told the hosts, Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller, that Tomlin would have a job the second he left. 

"He is so well respected around the league. I've talked to coaches of other teams who have had Tomlin players, and not Antonio Brown, other players, that they had no idea those players were complete and total pains in the a** until they got to their new location. It's like how in the h*** does he do it? ...How does he get them to behave? How does he get them to not be a pain in the a**? And that's the hallmark of any good coach: you want the people who are playing for you to constantly crave your approval, and he has that magic touch."

Florio doesn't name names, and while Antonio Brown will always be the first player mentioned in a conversation regarding "problem children," he is far from the only one. The NFL is a business; a player who helps the team win is more likely to be handled. 

There have been others; James Harrison was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend, but charges were dropped. Santonio Holmes, Le'Veon Bell, and LeGarrette Blount were all arrested on marijuana possession charges. Now, the Steelers have re-signed Cam Sutton, who is battling charges of domestic violence. 

It isn't always legal. Sometimes, players display unsportsmanlike behaviors, like George Pickens, who refused to block for Jaylen Warren during a play last season. Many were angry that Tomlin did not publicly address how he disciplined Pickens. That isn't how Tomlin operates, and as Florio pointed out, what Tomlin does works. 

"He gets guys to do whatever he needs them to do and to set aside however it is that they might act up, except for AB at the very end, and do what needs to be done. Look how he got George Pickens under control last year. Now, I think it was a failure. He was out of control, but he got him under control. That's one of the big strengths that transcend X's and O's for Mike Tomlin."

It is no secret that Tomlin is considered a "players coach" throughout the league. Players appreciate that while Tomlin did not play professionally, he was still a player and understands their pressure. 

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Embraces Being A Players Coach

While many fans speak about Tomlin's tendency to be a "players coach" as a negative, ESPN reporter Brooke Pryor recently said it is the opposite. She recounted stories of watching him be a regular guy who takes the time to connect. 

She said she's been in many NFL locker rooms, and what he does is unique. While some think he goes easy on players, she said he strikes the right balance of toughness and understanding. The players want to win for him more than anything, and in turn, he feels he lets down his team every year they don't hoist a Lombardi Trophy.

What do you think about Tomlin's extension? Are you surprised by Florio's comments about Tomlin's player management? Click to comment below. 

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