A friend of mine who is a Browns fan and I got into a discussion of why the Rooneys passed over Ken Whisenhut and Russ Grimm to hire the unkown Mike Tomlin as the new head coach of the Pissburgh Steelers.So I gave my points.
Point 1: When Cowher announced his resignation,he did not endorse either of his assitants.He instead endorsed Georgia Tech Head Coach Chan Gailey.I think this weighed heavily on thier minds.
Point 2: I think the Rooney's noticed the comfort level that the vets had with Cowher...and they had the same comfort level with Whisenhut and Grimm.The Rooneys wanted a bit of a shake-up,because the Vets had become complaicent knowing they wouldn't lose thier jobs unless something drastic happened under Cowher,and the same would go with Whisenhut and Grimm.
Point 3: The Rooneys probally saw Whisenhut and Grimm as not being long-time fixtures with the Steelers.Chuck Noll coached the Steelers for 22 years,Cowher for 15.The Rooneys aren't in the business of changing coaches ever 3-5 years.I think they felt that Whisenhut would bolt for a team that plays on a bigger stage and would offer him bigger money.Russ Grimm is older,and might not be able to take the grind of being a head coach.
Point 4: Whisenhut and Grimm both expeced to be head coaches in the NFL.I think they were both a bit cocky about it,especially Russ Grumm,from the rumors of how much money he wanted.Mike Tomlin seems humble and thankful to be a head coach,instead of entitled.
Anne V
Melanie Fitzpatrick
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IT SOUND GOOD
AMAZING GRACE
Danielson, CT
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Great points. The bottom line is... He had better win and keep the same focus the the former coach had. The former coach had respect and dedication. I think he will get at least a year to learn but this is not a team that will settle with 8 wins.
He could make them look brillant or stupid. It is a gamble that might payoff.
drj0514
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I, too, believe that this is a good hire. I've started a poll at my site SOUTHERN STEELERS about if you think we'll see a more wide open offense this year. I think we will and I sure hope so.
STEELER
Lake Charles , LA
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