Mike Tomlin, the head coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers, recently revealed that the 2019 season was his most challenging season yet. Tomlin, who has been the head coach since 2007, has experienced various highs and lows throughout his long tenure. However, he shared that the 2019 season stood out for him professionally-speaking due to the numerous challenges the team faced.
The season started with a setback as quarterback Ben Roethlisberger sustained a season-ending elbow injury during the second game against the Seattle Seahawks. The team had to turn to second-year QB Mason Rudolph for his first offensive snaps. Furthermore, the team had to deal with other injuries, with RB James Conner missing a chunk of time, and WR JuJu Smith-Schuster missing four games. The team cycled through quarterbacks, with Rudolph suffering injuries and taking his lumps as a first-time quarterback. The team then turned to UDFA Devlin Duck Hodges, who played in eight games and started six.
Despite starting the season with a 0-2 record, the Steelers managed to claw their way back to .500 at 5-5. They then managed to win three straight games, putting themselves in playoff position at 8-5. However, they collapsed down the stretch, losing their final three games and missing the postseason with an 8-8 record.
Although the season ended on a sour note, the Steelers exceeded all expectations, with some regarding it as Tomlin’s best coaching job of his career. Most teams in that situation would’ve been picking in the top five, not fighting for the playoffs.
Tomlin shared his thoughts on the challenges the team faced during the 2019 season in a recent interview while discussing life and football. He also provided some valuable insights and life lessons.
The NFL analyst believes that the Steelers’ ceiling is 13 wins, with their talent level being insane. Ex-Steelers WR Ray-Ray McCloud expressed gratitude towards Tomlin, whom he regards as having saved him. Joe Haden also shared his experience playing for Tomlin.
Overall, the 2019 season was a challenging one for Tomlin and the Steelers due to injuries and the team cycling through quarterbacks. However, they managed to exceed expectations and put themselves in playoff position for a while before collapsing down the stretch.
