Michael Vick says Mike Tomlin is NFL coach he's most impressed with in 2023
For the last 17 years, Mike Tomlin has pulled off some incredible coaching jobs with the Pittsburgh Steelers, guiding the team to a .500 record or better every season he’s been in charge.
The 2023 season has been no different, with the Steelers sitting a half game back for the lead atop the AFC North at 3-2 despite a myriad of injuries and a struggling offense. Tomlin’s latest heroics earned a shoutout from Michael Vick on the FOX pregame show Sunday, when asked which head coaches around the league deserve praise six weeks into the season.
“I’m going with Mike Tomlin,” Vick said, via Steelers Now. “It’s been 16 years of consistency, signature win last week over the Baltimore Ravens. Everything was saying to fire their offensive coordinator, but Mike Tomlin and the team took it upon themselves on defense to get the job done. Then, Kenny Pickett and the guys followed. It goes to show that guys will run through a wall for Mike T. I’m been in that locker room, a true leader of men, and one of the game’s greatest of coaches like a Pete Carroll, Bill Belichick, or Andy Reid, so I have to give him his flowers.”
Steelers, Mike Tomlin piecing things together in 2023
Tomlin’s Steelers once again seemed primed for a playoff push, even though the metrics tell a different story. Pittsburgh ranks 30th in total defense, surrendering an average of 389.4 yards per game. On offense, the Steelers also sit 30th in the league, totaling just 268.2 yards of offense per game.
And yet, here they are, still sitting above .500 — as they always have with Tomlin at the helm. And with the bye week now in the rearview mirror and the Los Angeles Rams (3-3) next up on the schedule, the Steelers will have some reinforcements — none more notable than receiver Diontae Johnson. Johnson, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since Week 1, is expected to return in Week 7.
Johnson, 27, has led the Steelers in receiving each of the last three seasons. Over 49 games since 2020, he’s hauled in 284 receptions for 3,014 yards and 15 touchdowns. In the season opening loss to the San Francisco 49ers, he reeled in three of his targets for 48 yards.
“He’s a really talented guy,” Pickett said last Tuesday. “We miss him a lot. He helps move the chains. He gets great separation. He’s been a great teammate and leader in that room as well and helping guys out. So, getting him back is going to be massive for our offense.”