Tomlin Already Escaping Cowher’s Shadow

Nearly nine months into the job, Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has yet to experience a number of firsts.That first home-field loss. The first touchdown allowed by his defence before halftime. The first missed field goal by Jeff Reed. The first debate about a questionable coaching decision that arguably costs his team a game.

This, too: The first time someone of importance in the Steelers’ front office says, “Hmm, maybe this guy isn’t as good as we’d thought he’d be. Maybe he isn’t the coach Bill Cowher was.”

With the Steelers off to a 4-1 start for only the third time since 1983, Tomlin - an NFL defensive co-ordinator for a single season before assuming one of the highest-profile jobs in the league - is escaping the scrutiny many rookie coaches receive.

So far, Tomlin’s biggest accomplishment has been getting what was a Super Bowl-winning team only two seasons ago refocused and energized as it takes this weekend off before resuming its schedule Oct. 21 at Denver.

Full Story: It’s early, but Steelers’ Tomlin already escaping Cowher’s long shadow - [Canadian Press]