Steelers DC Explains Why Team Still Backs Head Coach
During the Steelers’ devastating Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium, fans chanted, “Fire Tomlin.” Amid speculation about his future with the team, Tomlin led the team to victory against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. This put the Steelers in the lead in the AFC North. Throughout his tenure with the team, Tomlin has always been able to motivate them. Tomlin has said that he “smiles in the face of an adversary.”
During his press conference on Thursday, defensive coordinator Teryl Austin explained how Tomlin maintains control of the locker room and keeps the team united. Austin said, “In terms of team building and culture building, he does that as well as anybody I’ve ever been around. Obviously, Mike has been here a long time. But that’s the culture around here, where guys, you know, it’s a team thing. You’re always playing for the team. You do the best you can. I think that’s why guys hold the rope, and they stay on it. They don’t fall into, you know, it’s easy when, if you lose a few games or do something to fall into selfish cliques and do stuff like that, and our guys don’t do that.” During a recent appearance on the Kaboly and Mack podcast, former Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley also praised Tomlin’s ability to navigate chaos. Haley remarked, ”He thrives in adversity. The more noise and crisis there is, the more he can rise to it.”
Some Steelers players have recently spoken up and publicly defended their coach after the fans’ “Fire Tomlin” chants. After the Steelers’ Week 14 game, Calvin Austin III spoke with the media. Austin said, “We’re always behind Coach T. The whole world could be chanting, ‘Fire Coach T’. We’re going to be with Coach T, though. Plus, at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.”
On Saturday, Jalen Ramsey made his thoughts very clear. Ramsey remarked, “Me, personally, I thought the chants were bullshit. It’s comical.” Cam Heyward spoke to Hannah Storm on ESPN’s SportsCenter. The interview aired on Sunday morning. Heyward said, “I took it as a reflection on us as players. Cause Coach can only do so much. He prepares us for the game, but we have to execute.” Heyward added, “He’s a hell of a coach. He does everything right. What he does for this organization goes beyond just this season. If anything, us as players have to answer that. Plus, we got to keep answering that from here on out.”
Tomlin has been with the team for 19 seasons. He’s been on the hot seat before. Based on Steelers players defending Tomlin while fans call for him to be fired, Austin seems to be correct about the team culture and mentality that Tomlin has built. Hopefully, this can help the Steelers make it to the playoffs and actually win a postseason game.
