Mike Tomlin verbally flogs Terry Bradshaw

[francofan]

Mike Tomlin didn’t mention Terry Bradshaw by name during his press conference on Tuesday, but he did address the former Steelers quarterback’s critical comments. And, apparently, he didn’t appreciate them.

In a mix of dry wit and intelligence, the Steelers coach subtly eviscerated Bradshaw, who made headlines last week for calling Tomlin, a “cheerleader” and “not a good coach.”

Asked if he appreciated the support of his players after Sunday’s AFC North-clinching win over the Baltimore Ravens, which gave Tomlin’s 102nd victory and fifth division championship, Tomlin said he did.

“I appreciate the support, but criticism and critique are very much a part of our business and it’s an element of our business that as a competitor, I embrace,” Tomlin said. “The term ‘great’ is something that I have a great deal of respect for. I certainly don’t think that my resume to this point reads as great, but very few coaches resumes read that at this point. Guys like Bill (Belichick) in New England can probably say that or (Greg Popovich) down in San Antonio but I think the rest of us are just working stiffs, to be quite honest with you.”

Turning to the 68-year-old Bradshaw’s comments, Tomlin took exception to the word “cheerleader.”

“Now that being said, terms like ‘cheerleader guy,’ to me, maybe fall outside the bounds of critique or criticism,” said Tomlin, a William & Mary grad, who grew up in Hampton, Va. “They fall probably more into the area of disrespect and unprofessional. But what do I know? I grew up a Dallas fan, particularly a Hollywood Henderson fan.”

Tomlin, of course, was referring to former Cowboys linebacker Thomas “Hollywood” Henderson. Leading up to Super Bowl XIII, Henderson famously said of Bradshaw that he ‘Couldn’t spell cat if you spotted him the C and A.’”

http://www.timesonline.com/sports/s...cle_4c1cd428-cc5e-11e6-a023-f38842a12bef.html

 

[Judge Smails]

We'll see how Tomlin does when he doesn't have Ben anymore.

 

[smealpsu2005]

We'll see how Tomlin does when he doesn't have Ben anymore.

You mean how you judge all other 27 coaches who don't have a top 5 QB...Let me guess, because they are all wildly successful?

 

[Judge Smails]

You mean how you judge all other 27 coaches who don't have a top 5 QB...Let me guess, because they are all wildly successful?

I've seen too many absolutely horrific time management and replay challenge decisions from him to buy into his intellect. The drafting the past 5 years has been sorry as well.

Glad they are winning, but not a fan of Tomlin. You had several players earlier this year speaking out about his practices, etc.

 

[lionlurker]

We'll see how Tomlin does when he doesn't have Ben anymore.

Certainly fair to say that any coach would do better if they had a Hall of Fame quarterback to lean on. You might make the same comment about Belichick, who didn't have much success pre-Brady.

On the other hand, Bradshaw's remarks were uncalled for and unprofessional. I can say that even though I'm not Tomlin's biggest fan, myself. Bradshaw demeaned himself in particular with the cheerleader remark.

It should be remembered that Chuck Noll, who truly was a great coach, was disrespected by Bradshaw for most of his post-playing days, and even though they sort of made up towards the end, Bradshaw couldn't be bothered to attend his funeral. Bradshaw couldn't be bothered to attend Art Rooney Sr.'s funeral, either, for that matter. Bradshaw's currently on his 4th wife. There's a lot about Bradshaw which might make one consider carefully whether he is the sort of guy whose opinion deserves any respect.

 

[Obliviax]

I find those comments childish. Bradshaw is now an analyst. And while I don't feel I learn anything buy those mindless NFL shows, it is his job to critique.

The Steelers won the AFC North with one game remaining. Its a "pass/fail" league. Words mean little.

In my mind, I've seen nothing that leads me to believe he is a great coach. He inherited a really well run franchise and that's where they are today. So I also don't think he's a bad coach either. I'd give him a solid B.

 

[CJsE]

I've seen too many absolutely horrific time management and replay challenge decisions from him to buy into his intellect. The drafting the past 5 years has been sorry as well.

Glad they are winning, but not a fan of Tomlin. You had several players earlier this year speaking out about his practices, etc.

Yeah, that coach that has been around for 10 seasons without a single losing season and 7 seasons with 10+ wins is below average. A coach that made the playoffs this year with a team comprised of 95%+ players he drafted or signed. A coach with a top 10 all-time winning percentage among coaches with more than 100 wins and 13th all-time among coaches with 100 games.

All while doing it in the division that has sent more teams to the playoffs than any other division in the NFL over that time period.

Yeah, he sure sounds like a bum.

 

[Raffycorn]

There are 30 NFL fanbases who, if they're being honest with themselves, would take Mike Tomlin in a heartbeat because he'd improve their team. The other two fanbases are the Patriots and the Steelers.

 

[GregInPitt]

Bradshaw has always been a good'ol boy. Always been out of his element in the city or spotlight. He seemed to believe that he had an entitlement to be the star on the Steelers and I never sensed he took responsibility for his shortcomings during his career. But he was good enough to lead his team to 4 SB's so he has earned the right to be respected for his playing career. But he plays the buffoon on the NFL commentary panels, to me always looking like the least knowledgeable of the group, that contains some others that aren't high IQ guys either.

As a player he was a tough guy with a big arm, I don't believe he would have been a star in the league without the team of All-Pro's that he was lucky enough to have as team mates. Joe Gilliam, if his work ethic was better and he could have stayed clean, may have led that team to more Super Bowls. Who knows.

I'm not over the top in love with Tomlin as a coach either, as his drafts have been average, but he seems to manage his roster to put a supporting cast around his stars each year. But I look at comments such at these by Bradshaw as more of a reflection of Bradshaw's lack of common sense and tack than of any actual reasonable reflection on reality....

 

[francofan]

I find those comments childish. Bradshaw is now an analyst. And while I don't feel I learn anything buy those mindless NFL shows, it is his job to critique.

The Steelers won the AFC North with one game remaining. Its a "pass/fail" league. Words mean little.

In my mind, I've seen nothing that leads me to believe he is a great coach. He inherited a really well run franchise and that's where they are today. So I also don't think he's a bad coach either. I'd give him a solid B.

I have no problem with Tomlin's comments. They seemed appropriate to me given the disrespectful comments made by Bradshaw. I think it's time for Bradshaw to consider retiring.

Tomlin himself said that he doesn't consider his resume is that of a great coach. IMO it is not that far off. His first 10 years haven't been bad. I can easily see him spend another 10 years coaching the Steelers. I wouldn't be surprised to see him win another Super Bowl or two. If he does, he will be a lock for the HOF.

 

[Obliviax]

I have no problem with Tomlin's comments. They seemed appropriate to me given the disrespectful comments made by Bradshaw. I think it's time for Bradshaw to consider retiring.

Tomlins himself said that he doesn't consider his resume is that of a great coach. IMO it is not that far off. His first 10 years haven't been bad. I can easily see him spend another 10 years coaching the Steelers. I wouldn't be surprised to see him win another Super Bowl or two. If he does, he will be a lock for the HOF.

No problem with your comments. I have no love for Bradshaw as a commentator, or any of the commentators for that part. If you take Bradshaw out of the equation, he's just another talking head. For Tomlin to respond, I think, is "small" of him.

 

[francofan]

No problem with your comments. I have no love for Bradshaw as a commentator, or any of the commentators for that part. If you take Bradshaw out of the equation, he's just another talking head. For Tomlin to respond, I think, is "small" of him.

I loved Tomlin comments especially the reference to Hollywood Henderson. It shows he has a sense of humor.

 

[lionlurker]

No problem with your comments. I have no love for Bradshaw as a commentator, or any of the commentators for that part. If you take Bradshaw out of the equation, he's just another talking head. For Tomlin to respond, I think, is "small" of him.

I actually thought Tomlin handled it perfectly. He knew it would come up eventually, and his remarks essentially ended the entire issue. All the while letting Bradshaw know what he thought of his intellect.

 

[SmithtonLion]

Good comments by Tomlin. What do we expect him to do? Sit there and take it?

I also like Bradshaw. He's entitled to his opinion, but Tomlin has done AT LEAST an AVERAGE JOB, and the case can be made that he's done a well above average job.

There's really no case that can be made that he's done a below average job.

 

[indoorgolf]

We'll see how Tomlin does when he doesn't have Ben anymore.

Probably better than Belicheat did in Cleveland and the Jets before he had Brady.

 

[SmithtonLion]

Probably better than Belicheat did in Cleveland and the Jets before he had Brady.

That's an excellent point. It probably points out the great difficulty in separating the individual's performance as a coach from the events outside the coach's control that happened (drafting Brady, drafting Big Ben) before and during a coach's tenure.

You can say, for example, that the Brownies should have known that Manziel would be a bust because of his behavior, but 27 teams made that decision on Pitt's Dan Marino, who was rumored to have the same problem as Manziel. How much skill, and how much luck?

 

[Judge Smails]

Figures Tomlin grew up a fan of the Cowboys and Hollywood Henderson. As a Virginia native.

 

[21Guns]

I've seen too many absolutely horrific time management and replay challenge decisions from him to buy into his intellect. The drafting the past 5 years has been sorry as well.

Glad they are winning, but not a fan of Tomlin. You had several players earlier this year speaking out about his practices, etc.

The overall drafts have been poor, but I think last years' draft, was the first good draft in those five years. In general, I agree with your thoughts, but Davis and Burns have been good and are getting better, and Dupree has been improving with more playing time. But yes, too many busts on those drafts. As for time management, I also agree.

We'll see come playoff time though. I think Haleys' game plans have been too conservative in the first half.

 

[TangSoo]

Very clever on Tomlin's part referencing Hollywood Henderson(and implicitly the CAT comment). Of course Terry could simply reply scoreboard because the Steelers absolutely owned Dallas in the 70s.
I agree with Tomlin's own comments. He's less than great at this point and more than a cheerleader. I'm not in love with many of their personnel decisions during this era and some disciplinary issues. I think a few coaches (Cowher being one of them) would have done more with this opportunity but not a Jason Garrett or a Harbaugh. An elite coach would have had another ring or two by now.

Specifically, after the Polamalu era, they neglected the secondary a bit. They're on the road to rectifying that with this past years draft but maybe wasted a couple years. It seemed like they were trying to be Air Coryell or Marino's Dolphins. Those kinds of teams just don't win it all. And I think they wasted a few years of Ben's prime.

 

[21Guns]

There are issues with Tomlins' game management, and there are issues with Todd Haley and the drafts, and issues with some of his in game calls and his special teams.

With that said, Bradshaws' comments were disrespectful and frankly showed how he continually cannot get past his problems with the franchise from his playing days.

 

[Diego Badman]

I loved Tomlin comments especially the reference to Hollywood Henderson. It shows he has a sense of humor.

It was a fair and effective counterpunch.

 

[PennStateNate]

I find those comments childish. Bradshaw is now an analyst. And while I don't feel I learn anything buy those mindless NFL shows, it is his job to critique.

The Steelers won the AFC North with one game remaining. Its a "pass/fail" league. Words mean little.

In my mind, I've seen nothing that leads me to believe he is a great coach. He inherited a really well run franchise and that's where they are today. So I also don't think he's a bad coach either. I'd give him a solid B.

He has the second best record among coaches over last 10 years.. I don't get why you guys think he is so bad.. He is no Lombardi, but some of you act like he is Jeff Fisher. He is a very good coach that probably 29 teams would love to have.

 

[Obliviax]

He has the second best record among coaches over last 10 years.. I don't get why you guys think he is so bad.. He is no Lombardi, but some of you act like he is Jeff Fisher. He is a very good coach that probably 29 teams would love to have.

I didn't say he was bad. I said he was a B. He hasn't improved or hurt the team, IMHO. He inherited a great QB and a great defense. he's had to contend with some tough injuries on the 0line.

 

[PennStateNate]

I didn't say he was bad. I said he was a B. He hasn't improved or hurt the team, IMHO. He inherited a great QB and a great defense. he's had to contend with some tough injuries on the 0line.

His D hasn't been great, that may b the biggest knock on him. The offense tho has been very good and most of them are his guys.

 

[Diego Badman]

His D hasn't been great, that may b the biggest knock on him. The offense tho has been very good and most of them are his guys.

I think Tomlin is "guilty" of showing a lot of respect to Dick Labeau and not meddling with his defense even when you could see that the wheels were coming off. I would be willing to guess that he has much more input in their current defense--a defense that is getting better.

Labeau was great, but I think his style was dependent on there not being too much turnover in personnel either by free agency or injury.

 

[Raffycorn]

I didn't say he was bad. I said he was a B. He hasn't improved or hurt the team, IMHO. He inherited a great QB and a great defense. he's had to contend with some tough injuries on the 0line.

In fairness, he inherited a great defense - but a great defense that was quickly aging and approaching retirement. Tomlin's rebuild of the defense on the fly and transition the Steelers' defense from one led by Porter, Foote, Farrior, and Polamalu (and LeBeau) to the one they have now has been very impressive.

 

[LukeIamYourFather]

I would think that a good coach might be concerned with getting his team ready for the playoffs rather than feeding into a media tiff that might distract from it and I'm a Steelers fan.

 

[jferretti]

If Tomlin wins one or two more games, and he will be favored to do that, he will be tied for 5th ALL TIME for number of wins in first ten years. Hard to ignore.

As for Bradshaw, it appears his comments, as they so often are, arise from ignorance. According to PGH beat writers Bradshaw has no connection to the current Steelers and would know nothing of Tomlin's contributions or lack thereof.

 

[BBrown]

We'll see how Tomlin does when he doesn't have Ben anymore.

Well if thats your criteria for judging a coach then a lot of coaches are not going to look too good after their star players are gone. Belichik being one of them.
I'm on the fence with Tomlin and full disclosure I am a Steeler fan. I think he loses way too often to inferior teams but his won loss record and division championships is much better than many, including Cowher. I think he's a pretty damn good coach. JMO.

 

[BBrown]

I've seen too many absolutely horrific time management and replay challenge decisions from him to buy into his intellect. The drafting the past 5 years has been sorry as well.

Glad they are winning, but not a fan of Tomlin. You had several players earlier this year speaking out about his practices, etc.

Sorry thats a copout, ALL coaches have head scratchers, especially time management.
Drafting I agree has been iffy but damn look at all the 4th and 5th round WR's they turn into stars. My biggest issue with his drafts are some of his defensive choices and the fact that they are not drafting anyone thats even remotely capable of replacing Ben and they better start.

 

[BBrown]

I find those comments childish. Bradshaw is now an analyst. And while I don't feel I learn anything buy those mindless NFL shows, it is his job to critique.

The Steelers won the AFC North with one game remaining. Its a "pass/fail" league. Words mean little.

In my mind, I've seen nothing that leads me to believe he is a great coach. He inherited a really well run franchise and that's where they are today. So I also don't think he's a bad coach either. I'd give him a solid B.

Agree with most of that but I think I would give him a B+.
I think some people are forgetting the outrageous amount of injuries he's had to deal with the last few years, especially this year.

 

[BBrown]

I have no problem with Tomlin's comments. They seemed appropriate to me given the disrespectful comments made by Bradshaw. I think it's time for Bradshaw to consider retiring.

Tomlin himself said that he doesn't consider his resume is that of a great coach. IMO it is not that far off. His first 10 years haven't been bad. I can easily see him spend another 10 years coaching the Steelers. I wouldn't be surprised to see him win another Super Bowl or two. If he does, he will be a lock for the HOF.

Agree with all of that. I watched the Fox pregame the other week for the first time in a while and Bradshaw didn't even know which teams were playing. I mean really at least know who's playing who.

 

[BBrown]

The overall drafts have been poor, but I think last years' draft, was the first good draft in those five years. In general, I agree with your thoughts, but Davis and Burns have been good and are getting better, and Dupree has been improving with more playing time. But yes, too many busts on those drafts. As for time management, I also agree.

We'll see come playoff time though. I think Haleys' game plans have been too conservative in the first half.

Agree. I don't like some of his or the GM's defensive choices, especially at LBR.
And they better start looking for Ben's backup cause Landry aint it. LOL.

 

[Buzzsaw74]

There are issues with Tomlins' game management, and there are issues with Todd Haley and the drafts, and issues with some of his in game calls and his special teams.

With that said, Bradshaws' comments were disrespectful and frankly showed how he continually cannot get past his problems with the franchise from his playing days.

I am a steelers fan that gets upset with clock management.I respect Mike Tomlin as a players coach.I think Ben has made the steelers better over the years including Mike Tomlin.That is pro football.I do think Bradshaw's comments were unprofessional.I like the way Mike handled it.

 

[smealpsu2005]

He has the second best record among coaches over last 10 years.. I don't get why you guys think he is so bad.. He is no Lombardi, but some of you act like he is Jeff Fisher. He is a very good coach that probably 29 teams would love to have.

Glov has stated he would want Fisher...please

 

[PennStateNate]

I would think that a good coach might be concerned with getting his team ready for the playoffs rather than feeding into a media tiff that might distract from it and I'm a Steelers fan.

2 weeks for a playoff game.. I am sure answering a question from a reporter is going to impact their playoff run.

 

[francofan]

Sorry thats a copout, ALL coaches have head scratchers, especially time management.
Drafting I agree has been iffy but damn look at all the 4th and 5th round WR's they turn into stars. My biggest issue with his drafts are some of his defensive choices and the fact that they are not drafting anyone thats even remotely capable of replacing Ben and they better start.

A backup for Ben has not been a priority for the Steelers in recent years. IMO, Ben has at least 3-5 more good seasons. Within the next couple of years they should maybe draft a good qb in the third or fourth round if one is available.

 

[LMTLION]

The very little remaining respect i had for bradshaw has evaporated. What a douche.

 

[LukeIamYourFather]

2 weeks for a playoff game.. I am sure answering a question from a reporter is going to impact their playoff run.

Tomlin's obviously thought about it. Bradshaw is in his head. You better grow some thicker skin. Now what does Tomlin do if Bradshaw's producers tell him that it will be good TV to continue the tiff through the playoffs. Will Tomlin keep taking the bait over and over and continue to distract from the game?

The way you handle that type of question is the same way Franklin does. Ask me questions about the Ravens. That's it. You don't react in a clearly planned retort that tells the competition that he can be easily distracted and manipulated. You shut it down. Ravens. Next question.

As a Steelers fan, it bothers me that we lack a coach that can get us another ring. It won't happen under Tomlin. He very nearly gave up the playoff spot this past week. He's not outcoaching anyone. He's just damned lucky we have perhaps the most talent in the NFL.

 

[francofan]

Tomlin's obviously thought about it. Bradshaw is in his head. You better grow some thicker skin. Now what does Tomlin do if Bradshaw's producers tell him that it will be good TV to continue the tiff through the playoffs. Will Tomlin keep taking the bait over and over and continue to distract from the game?

The way you handle that type of question is the same way Franklin does. Ask me questions about the Ravens. That's it. You don't react in a clearly planned retort that tells the competition that he can be easily distracted and manipulated. You shut it down. Ravens. Next question.

As a Steelers fan, it bothers me that we lack a coach that can get us another ring. It won't happen under Tomlin. He very nearly gave up the playoff spot this past week. He's not outcoaching anyone. He's just damned lucky we have perhaps the most talent in the NFL.

If Bradshaw wants to continue to make a fool of himself, that is his problem. Tomlin can either respond or not to any response that Brashaw makes. At this time, I don't believe this has become a distraction from the playoff game they have on Jan. 7/8 and I don't expect that it will.

I think that there is a good chance that Tomlin will get another ring with the Steelers. I certainly haven't given up on this year and I believe that Tomlin may very be here in Pittsburgh for at least much of the next 10 years or more and I can easily see the Steelers making a playoff run for some of those seasons.