We have a living legend, a future Hall of Famer, and the current head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers — the one and only, Mike Tomlin. Coach, how are you doing today?

 

 

“Great, great, great to be on with you guys.”

First off, did you hear the news? Rich Rod is back at West Virginia. They announced it officially this morning.

 

“I just heard, man. I know you’re excited about that. I’m happy for the Mountaineer faithful. I can’t wait to get back to the hills. You know we’re going to have a hard-edged team again. It’s going to be fun!”

 

 

Speaking of edge, it’s been amazing watching you on Hard Knocks this season. As someone who’s always been a fan, it’s been great to get a behind-the-scenes look at your coaching style. Have you enjoyed the process of having cameras around? Has it been a distraction, or is it just business as usual for you?

 

“For me, it’s been a non-issue. I just go about my normal business. Their agenda is different from ours — we’re focused on winning football games. I don’t change how I operate. I think if I did, it would become a distraction. I just stay focused on what I need to do, and the players do the same thing. I think that’s what keeps it from being a problem.”

 

 

Watching you coach, especially the moment with Joey Porter Jr., was fantastic. After a tough game with penalties, you had a brief, motivating conversation with him. It was a perfect example of how you keep players focused and moving forward. Do you feel that’s a key aspect of your coaching — addressing issues quickly and keeping the energy positive?

 

“Absolutely. I want to motivate and move on. We have a job to do, and sometimes that means addressing mistakes, but always with an eye on getting better. I don’t want to dwell on what went wrong. I want to keep the guys engaged, focused on what comes next.”

 

 

Let’s talk about the decision to put Russell Wilson in as the starter. That was a big move, and you even came out publicly to explain it. How did you feel about that decision, and what did you see in Russ that made you confident in his ability to lead the team?

 

“It wasn’t as controversial or difficult for me as it might have seemed from the outside. I see Russ every day — not just his throwing ability, but how he interacts with teammates, his leadership, and his experience. He’s someone who has a way of bringing out the best in others. It was important for me to see if he could take our team to the next level, and I’ve been really happy with what he’s shown so far.”

 

It’s clear that Russ has a lot of respect from his teammates and you. Speaking of respect, you were the first team to call him when things went south in Denver. What made you so certain that Russ was the right fit for Pittsburgh?

 

 

“I’ve admired Russ for a long time. His talents, his competitive spirit, and his experience — all of that was attractive. And when a guy like him has something to prove, that’s powerful. I knew that he could be a key part of turning things around here and bringing energy to the team.”

You know, everyone’s behind Russ and the team right now. Do you feel that support from the city?

 

“To be honest, I keep to myself. I just go to work, get my gas, and head home. I hear the rumblings, but I don’t really feel it in the way people might think.”

 

There’s a tough stretch coming up — three big games in 10 days, with matchups against the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs. How have you been preparing the team for that?

 

 

“I haven’t really addressed it head-on with the team. I try to keep our focus on the present challenge. Right now, that’s the Eagles. I’ve made decisions about how we structure the calendar, like giving guys rest days, but I don’t want to give too much credence to the tough stretch. We’ll deal with that when the time comes.”

 

On that note, Saquon Barkley is having an incredible year. What do you think makes him so dangerous this season?

 

“Saquon’s always been talented, but now he has a full team around him. With players like Jalen Hurts and the receiving corps, defenses can’t focus on him alone. That allows him to do what he does best and truly explode. He’s been amazing this year.”

 

And speaking of incredible players, Cam Hayward’s leadership on defense has been outstanding. How important is it having him in the locker room, helping to keep the defense focused?

 

 

“Cam is a key piece for us. His leadership is invaluable. He understands our culture and what we’re about, and he communicates that to the team. Having someone like him on the field makes my job easier. He’s been playing lights out and is one of the reasons our defense is so strong.”

 

Looking at the organization, it’s clear that the legacy of the Steelers runs deep. How important is it for you to maintain that connection with the past, making sure that former players feel welcomed and involved?

 

“It’s huge. The standards set by those who came before us are vital to who we are. I want to make sure those guys feel connected, and I do things like keeping the blitz calls the same so they can recognize what they know. It’s about honoring the tradition of this franchise.”

 

 

As you look toward the future, do you see Pittsburgh becoming a pipeline to the NFL, especially with the success of programs like North Carolina, and the possibility of Bill Belichick heading there?

 

“That’s definitely a possibility. Bill’s going to bring great instruction and development to that program, and it could lead to a strong pipeline for the NFL. It’s exciting to see how that plays out, and I think he’s going to do great things for college football.”

 

Coach, we really appreciate your time today. Best of luck with the rest of the season, and thanks for everything you do for the Steelers!