The Steelers under Mike Tomlin

Photo:  Matt Freed, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

In 2007, Steelers owner Dan Rooney surprised fans, media, and players alike when he looked outside Pittsburgh's highly successful coaching staff to hire 34-year-old Mike Tomlin as the Steelers' 16th head coach.  Tomlin had been the Tampa Bay defensive backs coach for five seasons, including the Buccaneers' Super Bowl championship year of 2002. In 2006, Tomlin was the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings.

The Virginia native had greatly impressed Rooney in his interview with his intensity and attention to detail.  Tomlin earned the respect of his players as well, some of whom had been wary of the unexpected decision to hire from outside. When asked about how his players' evaluation of him had improved, Tomlin memorably told a reporter "I'm not interested in my players' evaluation of my performance.  I'm paid to evaluate them.  How's your editor doing?"

Tomlin's cool demeanor on the sideline typically stands in contrast to previous coach Bill Cowher's fiery outbursts, but when the Steelers seal a hard-fought win, Tomlin celebrates along with them.  In his first two seasons as Pittsburgh's head coach, Tomlin's Steelers won two AFC North championships and defeated the Arizona Cardinals to win Super Bowl XLIII.