The Pittsburgh Steelers and former Head Coach Mike Tomlin had a very strong bond with each other for 19 years. He was beloved for his ability to relate to the players and form personal relationships that will last a lifetime. That bond was so strong that players repeatedly went after fans for wanting him fired. No matter if people think he was a good or bad coach, he was definitely a great man, and someone that numerous people looked up to as some sort of a father figure. That’s how he got his reputation as a “player’s coach”. 

Pittsburgh Steelers Mike Tomlin

Steelers.com

Former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin speaks with the media while in Phoenix, Arizona for the Annual League Meetings.

However, he couldn’t be buddies with his players all the time. Former Steeler David Arnold recently made an appearance on Eric Wilson’s YouTube channel and brought up a story about how Tomlin ruthlessly cut two players in the beginning of a meeting.

“I go to OTAs with Pittsburgh all the time, and I hear Coach Tomlin talk,” Arnold said. “We’re in a OTA meeting, one of the first meetings that they had. Everybody’s in the meeting in the ballroom. [We] hear a knock on the door. There’s a guy standing, open the door. ‘Two free agents! Late!’ So-and-so, take their playbooks. ‘They’re Done!’ Day 1 of OTAs, they come two minutes late, wasn’t even two minutes, but the door was shut. Coach Tomlin began to talk.”

The message Arnold was trying to convey in that video was loud and clear: don’t be late. Organized Team Activities (OTAs) had just started, and Tomlin cut two players in front of everyone because they were just a bit late. Some coaches get creative, as they will cut or fine people for being on time when they should be early to meetings or practice. That is the standard in the NFL, and that could lead to jobs being lost. 

Pittsburgh Steelers Mike Tomlin

Gene J. Puskar / AP

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin yells at an official during a home game in Pittsburgh.

Whenever there was an issue that happened in the building, Tomlin tried his best to make sure it stayed in the building. This is one of those examples, as it is unclear what year this happened and which two players ended up getting cut then. What is known is that he set the standard and expectation right then and there, and those two free agents were used as examples of what could happen if the rules are not followed. 

There have been some stories about Tomlin struggling to enforce rules in the past, but this showed that when he needed to, he could lay down the law and show that he means business. Once again, it is unclear how often this happened, as these kinds of stories have rarely leaked, if ever. When a players’ coach can also enforce the rules so everyone falls in line, that is a good sign from the leader.

Steelers’ Have Had Their Issues With Enforcing Rules

Based on the Steelers’ history, it’s safe to say that those two players were undrafted free agents. Tomlin had no problem making an example out of a low-level player, but when it came to the stars of the team, it was a different story. Some may argue that highly talented guys have always earned some leeway, but then there’s the fine line of when enough is enough for some of the best players in the league. 

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Antonio Brown

Matt Freed / Post-Gazette

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin talks with former wide receiver Antonio Brown as the team warms up prior to a home game at then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.

There are many examples of this, but Antonio Brown was the most egregious one. He was undoubtedly the best player in football, but by the end of his tenure in Pittsburgh, he was getting into trouble nearly every week. Tomlin did not seem to do anything about it until the final week of 2018, where he “suspended” him, even though it was ruled as a phony knee injury to try and keep everything from leaking out. 

What do you think about Tomlin cutting players for being late to meetings? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.