According to longtime Pittsburgh Steelers reporter Ed Bouchette, head coach Mike Tomlin has the final say on personnel decisions, and he gets the players he wants. Bouchette, who has covered the Steelers for over 30 years, made the comments during a recent interview.
“Mike Tomlin has the final say on personnel,” Bouchette said. “He gets who he wants, and that’s the way it is. He’s been doing it that way for a long time, and it’s worked out pretty well for the Steelers.”
Bouchette’s comments provide insight into the Steelers’ front office dynamics and the role that Tomlin plays in shaping the team’s roster. While the Steelers have a general manager in Omar Khan, it’s clear that Tomlin has significant influence over personnel decisions.
Tomlin’s ability to get the players he wants is likely due to his strong relationship with the Steelers’ front office and ownership group. Tomlin has been the Steelers’ head coach since 2007 and has led the team to two Super Bowl championships. His success on the field has earned him a great deal of respect and trust within the organization.
The Steelers’ approach to personnel decisions is often described as a “collaborative effort” between Tomlin, Khan, and other members of the front office. However, Bouchette’s comments suggest that Tomlin’s opinion carries significant weight in the decision-making process.
“It’s not like Mike Tomlin is dictating who they draft or who they sign in free agency,” Bouchette said. “But he’s definitely got a lot of input, and he’s usually gets what he wants.”
The Steelers’ ability to attract and retain top talent is likely due in part to Tomlin’s reputation as a players’ coach. Tomlin is known for his ability to motivate and develop players, and his teams have consistently been among the most disciplined and prepared in the NFL.
As the Steelers look to rebuild their roster and return to contention in the AFC North, Tomlin’s influence over personnel decisions will likely be a key factor in their success. With his ability to get the players he wants, Tomlin will be able to shape the Steelers’ roster in his image and build a team that can compete with the best in the NFL.
What’s Next for the Steelers?
The Steelers still have several needs to address this offseason, including:
Wide receiver: The Steelers need to add depth and talent to their wide receiver corps.
Cornerback: The Steelers need to add depth and talent to their cornerback position.
Linebacker: The Steelers need to add depth and talent to their linebacker corps.
The Steelers will likely address these needs through a combination of free agency and the draft. With Tomlin’s influence over personnel decisions, the Steelers are well-positioned to make the moves they need to return to contention in the AFC North.
