Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in the NFL. Tomlin is a terrific leader who has the respect of his peers, and his track record speaks for itself.
In addition to boasting a pair of Super Bowl rings (one as a head coach and one as an assistant), he’s never posted a losing record as an NFL head coach. But before he started coaching, did he play football professionally?
Revisiting Mike Tomlin’s Playing Days
Prior to his coaching career, Tomlin was a wide receiver who played college football at William & Mary.
Tomlin was a three-year starter and an All-Yankee Conference Second-Team selection in 1994.
He finished his collegiate career with 101 receptions for 2,054 yards and 20 touchdown receptions.
Tomlin’s playing career did not continue after college, as he never played in the NFL or any professional leagues. However, once he transitioned to coaching, he quickly rose the ranks.
Tomlin’s Coaching Career
Tomlin’s first coaching stint was with the Virginia Military Institute, where he coached wide receivers during the 1995 season. Then, in 1996, Tomlin served as a graduate assistant for the Memphis Tigers before becoming a defensive backs coach for the Arkansas State Red Wolves in 1997.
Tomlin coached at Arkansas State for two seasons before accepting a job as the defensive backs coach for the University of Cincinnati. In 2000, Tomlin helped Cincinnati’s defense record the eighth-most interceptions in the country.
After five seasons coaching at the collegiate level, Tomlin got his start in the NFL when he was hired as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive backs coach.
The perfect NFL coaching staff. pic.twitter.com/8NvSNfEwJ8
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Tomlin was part of the coaching staff that helped the 2002 Buccaneers become one of the best defenses in NFL history. Tampa Bay went on to win Super Bowl 37 (thanks in large part to a terrific showing by Tomlin’s secondary, including Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson).
Tomlin remained with the Bucs until 2006, when he was hired as the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator. Tomlin was younger than two players on the Vikings’ roster, yet Minnesota did not allow a single 100-yard rusher throughout that season.
Tomlin’s success with the Vikings led to head-coaching buzz. Shortly after, the Steelers hired Tomlin as their head coach. He became just their third head coach since 1969.
Tomlin was just 34 years old when the Steelers hired him, meaning he wasn’t even old enough to run for president of the United States.
Now, he’s still there nearly two decades later. He’s now in his 18th season at the helm in Pittsburgh, making him the longest-tenured head coach in the NFL.
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Tomlin has led the Steelers to 11 playoff appearances, seven division titles, five Divisional Rounds, three AFC Championship Games, and two Super Bowls.
In 2009, Tomlin and the Steelers hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, defeating the Arizona Cardinals 27-23 in Super Bowl 43.