Coaching: A little column A, A little column B

Doesn't really matter how anyone feels about our coaches. The fact is time changes everything. Tomlin's time as the Steelers HC will come to an end. My question is, what are some specifics you guys would like to have in a new HC?


Example 1: The HC relies heavily on coordinators.... Dan Campbell is a 'rah rah', player friendly type coach. I think more than Tomlin ever has been. The Lions have put together a competitive team. He lost both coordinators and this year we have seen struggles. This doesn't make him a bad coach, just shows that the Lions are better with strong coordinators. I think this style sees more turnover at the coordinator positions, and more success variance season to season.


Example 2: The HC/Play Caller combo....Sean McVay is the HC and offensive play caller for the Rams. He has an offensive coordinator (Mike Lafleur) but the HC is calling the plays. The Rams have put together a competitive team. This style seems to rely more on the right players to run the offensive system and less on having the right coordinator. I think this style sees high success initially until teams learn how to defeat the system, so this coach must be more innovative season to season.


This is not a discussion on what we like or dislike about Tomlin. This is about what do you want to see once Tomlin is no longer HC. What type of HC should Khan look for?


I don't think either is simply 'better' than the other. Both have their merits and drawbacks.


What say you?

 

There are things I like with both styles and things I dislike with both. I have to agree with @Steel_Elvis that I want to develop a new QB first and foremost. Building the system becomes so much easier if you have your QB.

 

This…
And I will take flack here for saying this, I don’t have the utmost confidence in the current coaching staff developing a franchise qb.
As to who can, no clue. But I honestly think it is time to look around.

 

Well, maybe they would be all set of they got Spencer Rattler?

 

Very good or great coaches have " coaching trees " . Men they hire who branch off and have good head coaching careers elsewhere. The top OC's and DC's

Tomlin' tree is bare. Lebeau and Arians were not Tomlin hires, but they were good OC's and DC's.

That is what I think.

Has any very good or great head coach not won a playoff game in 8+ years? I can think of none in the histroy of the NFL.


IMO, Khan should look a good OC curently working for a good head coach. I list a name Brady, Joe Brady.

- JB

 

Nice post. Has nothing to do with the thread though.

 

To answer you question, Pittsbugh will ahve it pick of the litter when they decide it is time to move on for Tomlin!
We could have had Harbaugh.But we did not act.

A top football coach combines technical expertise, leadership, and interpersonal skills to maximize team performance and player development.

Strategic and Tactical Expertise
Game Knowledge: Deep understanding of football strategies, formations, and play-calling. A good coach adapts tactics to the team’s strengths and opponents’ weaknesses.
Example: NFL coaches like Andy Reid excel in designing innovative offensive schemes tailored to their roster.
Adaptability: Adjusts game plans mid-match based on real-time performance and opponent tendencies.
Preparation: Meticulous planning, including film study and opponent scouting, to ensure players are well-prepared.



Leadership and Communication
Inspirational Leadership: Motivates players to perform at their best, fostering a culture of accountability and discipline.
Example: Coaches like Bill Belichick command respect through clear expectations and a winning mentality.
Clear Communication: Explains complex strategies in an accessible way and provides constructive feedback.
Emotional Intelligence: Understands players’ motivations and manages team dynamics effectively, balancing discipline with empathy.
Player Development
Skill Development: Enhances individual and team skills through targeted drills and personalized coaching.
Example: Pete Carroll’s focus on fundamentals helped develop players like Russell Wilson early in their careers.
Mentorship: Builds trust and guides players, especially younger ones, in both athletic and personal growth.
Talent Maximization: Identifies and leverages each player’s unique strengths to optimize team performance.


Team Culture and Morale
Positive Environment: Creates a cohesive, supportive team culture where players feel valued and motivated.
Resilience: Instills mental toughness to handle adversity, such as losses or injuries.
Ethics and Integrity: Models professionalism and sportsmanship, fostering respect on and off the field.
Track Record and Results
Proven Success: Consistent wins, playoff appearances, or championships (context-dependent on level—youth, high school, college, or pro).
Player Testimonials: Feedback from players about a coach’s impact on their performance and development.
Adaptation to Context: Success in varying environments (e.g., rebuilding programs vs. established teams) shows versatility.

Game time decisions such when to use the red flag and when to go for it and when to kick.

A coach who knows how to deal with Diva players. I call it dvia control.​

A coach that hires the right assistants.​

A good coach balances these qualities to fit the team’s needs, whether it’s a pee wee youth squad needing mentorship or an NFL team chasing a Super Bowl. Context matters—prioritize traits based on your program’s goals.

 

Another very nice post. I can see you spent a lot of effort on this one. I do appreciate that. The thread doesn't ask you to explain what a HC does though.

Of the 2 HC styles we see in the NFL today, which style would you prefer to hire once Tomlin is no longer the HC of the Steelers?


Asking your personal preference. That's all. There is no right or wrong way to vote.

 

Thank you.

I would pick option 2.


" Example 2: The HC/Play Caller combo....Sean McVay is the HC and offensive play caller for the Rams. He has an offensive coordinator (Mike Lafleur) but the HC is calling the plays. The Rams have put together a competitive team. This style seems to rely more on the right players to run the offensive system and less on having the right coordinator. I think this style sees high success initially until teams learn how to defeat the system, so this coach must be more innovative season to season. "

OC and DC come and go. The rules are titled for offense now more than ever.