In my career as a leader, I have learned invaluable lessons from coaches. I have made it a habit to research, read, and listen to as much as I can about them. This article highlights one such coach who exemplifies leadership excellence—Mike Tomlin.

Mike Tomlin: A Leader from Day One

Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, entered the NFL coaching scene at a remarkably young age. Despite being hired by one of the most storied franchises in sports history, his appointment was initially questioned due to his lack of head coaching experience. However, Tomlin quickly proved his doubters wrong.

Since joining the Steelers in 2007, Tomlin has led the team to:

12 playoff appearances
Seven division titles
Three AFC Championship Games
Two Super Bowl appearances
A title in Super Bowl XLIII

At age 36, Tomlin became the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl—a record later broken by Sean McVay. Remarkably, Tomlin holds the record for the most consecutive non-losing seasons to begin a coaching career with 18, having never posted a losing season.

The Standard Is the Standard

One of Tomlin’s most well-known quotes is engraved on the walls of the Steelers' locker room:

"The standard is the standard."

Heinz Field, Pittsburg Steelers Stadium - Outside the Steeler’s Locker Room.

This mantra reflects the foundation of Tomlin's leadership philosophy—that excellence is the expectation in every aspect of the organization. It applies to how the team plays, practices, communicates, and interacts both on and off the field. For leaders, this concept eliminates excuses and exceptions. The standard must always be upheld, and accountability ensures that it is never compromised.

A producer from HBO’s Hard Knocks once remarked, "You feel the culture when you walk through these halls." This observation speaks to the organizational identity Tomlin has built, rooted in consistency and excellence.

Coaching Philosophy and Leadership Style

Tomlin describes himself as a leader who:

Lays a strong foundation
Serves as an informational motivator
Practices transparency
Expects maturity and accountability

He sums it up with a straightforward declaration: "

“Football is our game. Winning is our business."

Tomlin’s leadership extends beyond the field, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, discipline, and accountability. His ability to connect with players on a personal level sets him apart as a "player's coach." He combines empathy with structure, allowing players autonomy while maintaining high standards.

Building Relationships and Handling Adversity

Tomlin fosters deep connections with his players. Running back Najee Harris once noted, "It's not like that in other places." Tomlin has even invited players to spend holidays with his family, as evidenced by George Pickens and Broderick Jones celebrating Thanksgiving with him in 2023.

His focus on building resilience is another hallmark of his leadership. Tomlin has said,"If our team doesn't face enough adversity early on in a season, I create it. Nothing builds a team like adversity."

In the 2024 season of HBO’s Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North, Tomlin's interaction with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. captured his ability to balance encouragement with accountability. After Porter’s penalty-heavy performance, Tomlin remarked,"You're gonna be great, but you ain't gonna be great today."This statement highlights Tomlin's focus on growth and learning through challenges.

Tomlin’s Background and Career Path

Born in Hampton, Virginia, Tomlin grew up in a sports-oriented family. His father, Ed Tomlin, played professional football, and Mike followed a similar path. He graduated with a sociology degree from the College of William & Mary in 1995, where he earned second-team All-Yankee Conference honors as a wide receiver.

Tomlin’s coaching career includes:

VMI (1995): Wide Receivers Coach
Memphis (1996): Graduate Assistant
Arkansas State (1997-1998): Wide Receivers and Defensive Backs Coach
Cincinnati (1999-2000): Defensive Backs Coach
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2001-2005): Defensive Backs Coach (Super Bowl XXXVII Champion)
Minnesota Vikings (2006): Defensive Coordinator
Pittsburgh Steelers (2007–present): Head Coach (Super Bowl XLIII Champion)

Tomlin’s journey reflects steady growth and preparation, culminating in one of the most respected coaching careers in the NFL.

Lessons for Today’s Leaders

Tomlin’s leadership offers several takeaways for today’s business and organizational leaders:

Set Clear Standards: Establish expectations and hold everyone accountable to them. No exceptions.

Many leaders fail here due to the courage, persistence, and consistency required to enforce accountability. A standard is meaningless without prioritizing accountability.

Lead with Transparency: Be open about goals, challenges, and expectations to build trust.

Transparency requires humility. Leaders must acknowledge they don’t have all the answers and be willing to listen to dissenting views and ideas.

Build Relationships: Foster genuine connections to motivate and inspire your team.

This connection goes beyond being a buddy. It involves truly caring about someone’s well-being and taking responsibility for helping them achieve their goals.

Embrace Adversity: Use challenges as opportunities to strengthen your team.
Balance Authority with Empathy: Allow autonomy but enforce discipline to maintain standards.

Final Thoughts

Mike Tomlin’s leadership philosophy and success on the field provide a blueprint for leaders in any industry. His ability to inspire, hold others accountable, and navigate adversity has earned him lasting respect in the NFL and beyond.

I look forward to watching Tomlin continue to set the standard for leadership excellence for many years to come.

Expect to Win!

#xp2win

Lessons from Great Coaches for Today’s Leaders Series: Mike Tomlin