The Bill Cowher era in Pittsburgh is over: enter Mike Tomlin. Tomlin becomes just the third coach for the Steelers in decades, as well as the team's first ever black coach. Tomlin, 34-years-old, was the Minnesota Vikings' defensive coordinator last season.
"I'm somewhat of a football historian, and I've got a great deal of respect for those who came before me," Tomlin said, in regards to Cowher and Chuck Noll. "I'm going to try my best to provide a shoulder for those who come after me to stand on," he said.
The Steelers offered Tomlin a four-year deal worth around $2.5 million a year. Tomlin was quickly able to convince the Steelers that he should be their next head coach. He was able to beat out Steelers assistant Russ Grimm.
"I hate to make comparisons with Bill Cowher, but there were some similarities," said president Art Rooney. "It's fair to say that when we looked at a guy who was 34, we said that this guy is down our list. He was probably a long shot when we began the discussions."
The Steelers are looking to get back to the postseason next year, after missing out this season. They need to make some improvements offensively, but feel they have the tools on defense to make the unit stronger next season.
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