Mike Tomlin expected to be new Steelers head coach

Well, some people in NFL circles won't be able to complain that the Rooneys didn't adhere to the Rooney Rule here.

That said, the only concern about Tomlin is pass defense. Was it the players? Was it the system? What went wrong there, because the run defense did its part.

 

If Ed Bouchette of P-G doesn't have the scoop there isn't one.
There is no way SI is scooping this man in his own backyard.

 

Thanks for checking in, Mr. Bouchette.

 

Didn't see them, but I'm sure their run defense ranks first precisely because their pass defense sucks. They had the fewest carries-against in the league, almost 20 fewer carries against than the next. And teams threw the ball almost 600 times against them because they were so craptastic, apparently.

 

My bad, I was thinking of the Bears defensive coordinator, who was rumored for the job early in the process. Careless mistake on my part.

 

Or maybe because the run defense was so good, offenses chose to pass against them, like in the Patriots MNF game.

 

Should've realized that you were thinking of Rivera. As much faith as I have in the Rooneys, I just don't get this. A defensive coordinator whose defensive style just doesn't fit what the Steelers have. And worse, his defense couldn't stop the pass.

 

Perhaps the Rooneys think Tomlin's pass defense problems were player related and not scheme. You could make that case for the Steelers secondary this season. Don't know if I'd buy it, but you could make the case.

 

Bouchette now has Dan Rooney denying the SI story.

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07020/755575-100.stm

 

I'm sure not going to be the one to second guess the Steelers' brass football knowledge, but don't they know Mike Tomlin is an average middle reliever journeyman, not a pro football coach?

 

Mort is now confirming the story on ESPNews.