Image Source: Anthony Gharib
Key Takeaways
- Mike Tomlin stepped down as the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach after a 19-year tenure, ending a period of stability for the team.
- Tomlin’s departure marks the first time the Steelers have had a different head coach in a game since December 31, 2006.
- The sports world was different in 2006, with the Steelers storming back to win Bill Cowher’s final game, Florida winning the BCS National Championship, and NBA stars like Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady on dominant scoring runs.
- Current NFL coaches like Mike Vrabel, Dan Campbell, DeMeco Ryans, and Aaron Glenn were making their mark on the field during the 2006 season.
Introduction to Mike Tomlin’s Tenure
Mike Tomlin’s resignation as the Pittsburgh Steelers head coach on Tuesday marked the end of an era for the team. As the first Black head coach in the team’s history, Tomlin brought a sense of stability to the Steelers, leading them to a 192-114 record and a Super Bowl victory during his 19-year tenure. As Tomlin noted, "I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, but I feel it’s time for me to step aside and let someone else take the reins." With a win percentage of 62.8, Tomlin ranks behind legendary head coach Chuck Noll in games coached and wins, but holds the record for the best win percentage of a Steelers head coach.
The Last Time the Steelers Had a Different Head Coach
The last time the Steelers had a different head coach in a game was on December 31, 2006, when Bill Cowher led the team to a comeback victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. As Cowher recalled, "That was a special moment for me, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to coach such a talented team." The Steelers won the game 23-17 in overtime, with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger finding wide receiver Santonio Holmes for a 67-yard touchdown. The victory had significant implications for the Bengals, who saw their playoff hopes end with the loss.
The Sports World in 2006
The sports world was a different place in 2006. The BCS National Championship Game was a standalone event, and the Florida Gators dominated the Ohio State Buckeyes 41-14 to win the national title. As Florida coach Urban Meyer said, "That was an incredible team effort, and I’m so proud of our players and coaches." The Gators were led by quarterback Chris Leak’s 213 passing yards and touchdown, while three players ran for a score, including future Heisman Award winner Tim Tebow. In the NBA, stars like Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady were on dominant scoring runs, with Bryant leading the league in scoring with 31.6 points per game.
Current NFL Coaches in 2006
Four current NFL coaches – Mike Vrabel, Dan Campbell, DeMeco Ryans, and Aaron Glenn – were making their mark on the field during the 2006 season. Vrabel, the current Patriots head coach, recorded the second-most tackles for New England in 2006, starting all 16 games and recording 89 tackles. As Vrabel noted, "I was just trying to do my job and help my team win, but it’s crazy to think about how far I’ve come since then." Campbell, the current Lions head coach, began his first season as the Detroit Lions tight end, catching 21 passes for 308 yards and four touchdowns. Ryans, the current 49ers defensive coordinator, had a dominant rookie season on the Houston Texans, leading the league with 126 solo tackles and winning AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. Glenn, the current Lions defensive coordinator, suited up in 16 games for the Dallas Cowboys and put up 22 tackles with one interception.
Conclusion
Mike Tomlin’s departure as the Steelers head coach marks the end of an era for the team. As the sports world looks back on the last time the Steelers had a different head coach in a game, it’s clear that a lot has changed since 2006. From the Steelers’ comeback victory over the Bengals to the dominance of Florida in the BCS National Championship Game, the sports world was a different place. Current NFL coaches like Mike Vrabel, Dan Campbell, DeMeco Ryans, and Aaron Glenn were just starting to make their mark on the field, and it’s remarkable to see how far they’ve come since then. As Tomlin said, "I’m excited to see what the future holds for the Steelers, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this team for so long."
https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47467730/mike-tomlin-nfl-last-pittsburgh-steelers-had-another-coach
