This Steelers great says Mike Tomlin isn’t a Hall of Fame coach
Following Tomlin’s departure from the Pittsburgh Steelers, one of the team’s recent defensive idols had strong words about his former coach.
Mike Tomlin enjoyed one of the longest coaching tenures ever seen in the NFL, but that doesn’t mean everyone in recent Pittsburgh Steelers history is convinced his career warrants a spot in the Hall of Fame. James Harrison, a franchise defensive legend and two-time Super Bowl champion, made that perfectly clear with a sharp critique that has shaken up the league‑wide conversation.
“You’re a Hall of Fame coach, but no-one has followed you?”
Harrison’s argument goes beyond perception or personal preference. For him, the absence of a broader coaching legacy tied to Tomlin is impossible to overlook.
“He hasn’t made disciples,” the 47-year-old told the podcast Deebo & Joe, which he hosts alongside fellow former Steeler Joe Haden. “You’re telling me you’re a Hall of Fame coach, but no-one has followed you? No-one.” Harrison added of Tomlin: “He’s the only coach to coach this long and does not have a tree.”
In an NFL where influence is often measured by the ability to develop future head coaches - think Bill Walsh, Bill Belichick, or Andy Reid - Tomlin’s case is certainly striking. After nearly two decades leading the Steelers, none of his coordinators have gone on to build a sustained career as an NFL head coach, a point that fuels the skepticism.
“Nobody has a negative postseason record”
Another key element in Harrison’s critique is Tomlin’s performance in January. While Tomlin can proudly say he has never posted a losing regular season, his playoff record in recent years has dipped into negative territory - an issue that is hard to brush aside when discussing historical greatness.
“When you look at the greats, the measurement of greatness for all‑time greats, like everybody is saying right now, nobody has a negative postseason record,” Harrison said.
The debate, however, is far from settled. Tomlin remains a symbol of stability in a league defined by constant turnover, a Super Bowl champion, and a perennial fixture in discussions about respected NFL coaches. But Harrison’s words force an uncomfortable question onto the table: Is consistency - without a coaching legacy or recent playoff success - enough to walk through the doors of Canton?
In Pittsburgh, a place where history weighs as heavily as the trophies, the conversation is only just beginning.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.
Complete your personal details to comment