What year did head coach Mike Tomlin start with the Pittsburgh Steelers?

Answer 1

It was a classic case of the NFL's "Rooney Rule" working to perfection. The rule, adopted in 2003, is named for Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, who has been a proponent of requiring NFL teams to interview at least one minority candidate for vacant front office and coaching positions.

When longtime Pittsburgh head coach Bill Cowher decided to step down after the 2006 season, the Rooney family interviewed several potential replacements, including Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and offensive line coach Russ Grimm. When Whisenhunt accepted the job as head football coach of the Arizona Cardinals on January 14, 2007, there was speculation that Grimm would replace Cowher.

But the Rooney family decided to enforce the "Rooney Rule" and made arrangements to interview Mike Tomlin, who was little known to casual football fans but well-regarded as a defensive guru. Tomlin had served as defensive backs coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (winning a Super Bowl ring after the 2002 season) and defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings. The Rooney family reportedly was very impressed by Tomlin during his interview with them.

Although a Pittsburgh newspaper reported that Grimm had been offered the job, the Steelers announced on January 22, 2007 that Tomlin take over the Steelers.

Tomlin has evolved into a premier NFL head coach. He guided the Steelers to a sixth Super Bowl championship on February 1, 2009 against the Cardinals (and coaches Whisenhunt and Grimm) in Super Bowl XLIII. Pittsburgh defeated Arizona, 27-23, as Tomlin, a month shy of his 37th birthday, became the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl. Two years later, he became the youngest head coach ever to return to the Super Bowl when the Steelers competed against the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV. The Packers outlasted the Steelers, 31-25.

Through the 2010 season, Tomlin's overall record at Pittsburgh is 48-23-0, including postseason games.

Answer 2

Bill Cowher was the head coach before Mike Tomlin. Bill coached from 1992-2006.

Answer 3

Chuck Noll became the 14th head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 27, 1969 and retired in 1991.

Answer 4

Mike Tomlin was the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings prior to accepting the head coaching position with the Steelers.

Answer 5

His first season as head coach was 2007.

Answer 6

Bill Cowher