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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.
Bill Cowher was the head coach before Mike Tomlin. Bill coached from 1992-2006.
Chuck Noll became the 14th head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 27, 1969 and retired in 1991.
Mike Tomlin was the defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings prior to accepting the head coaching position with the Steelers.
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Who is going to be the quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers to start the 2010 season?
In June 2010, the Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin suggested that Byron Leftwich will enter training camp as the favorite to start the season. His competition will come from backups Dennis Dixon and Charlie Batch. No official word has been released on who the starter for the season opener will be.
Who would you start Texans or Pittsburgh Steelers defense?
Steelers no question.
What NFL team has the most wins since the start of the NFL?
The Pittsburgh Steelers, Between Chuck Noll and Bill Cowher nobody has won more games than the Steelers, However it was Mike Tomlin that won them the title most super bowls in NFL History.
What year did James Harrison start playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
James Harrison was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002 and from 2004-2012.
How did the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL team start?
Art Rooney founded the Pittsburgh Pirates on July 8, 1933. In 1940 the team was re-named the Pittsburgh Steelers.
What year did Chuck Noll start head coaching for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
1969
When did the Pittsburgh Steelers start a rivalry with the Baltimore Ravens?
When the Browns moved to Baltimore.
Who did the Pittsburgh Steelers trade right before the start of the 2007 season?
Joey Porter
How long has Kevin Colbert been GM of the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Kevin Colbert has been the Steelers GM since the start of the 2000 season.
What NFL team has the best winning percentage since the start of the Super Bowls?
Pittsburgh Steelers
Did Terry Bradshaw start in all four Super Bowls for the Pittsburgh Steelers?
Yes, he did. Terry Bradshaw started and won all 4 Super Bowls for the Steelers.
Which past or present coach has won the most Super Bowls while coaching the same team?
Pittsburgh Steelers coach Chuck Noll with 4. San Francisco 49er coach Bill Walsh has coached in 4 superbowls. As of the start of the 2007 season, both Noll (4) and Walsh (4) have won the most Super Bowls coaching the same team. Neither coach lost a Super Bowl.
