Steelers' Head Coach Mike Tomlin Visits Pirates' Spring Training
BRADENTON (93-7 THE FAN) -- Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, along with General Manager Kevin Colbert and offensive coordinator Todd Haley attended the Pirates game Monday in Bradenton before heading to Tallahassee.
Tomlin says he attends a few games and enjoys going with his boys and is looking forward to the season.
"Just as a Dad and a Pittsburgher," Tomlin said, "I follow and support them just like everyone else in the community."
Tomlin has also developed a bond with Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, saying it's important to have relationships with other coaches in town, saying they are all "uniquely blessed."
"It's good to have a coaching brother and a guy who is right-minded," Tomlin said. "We share a lot of philosophical thoughts on how to lead men. It's been fun to watch him develop these groups over the years and excited about watching him to it this year."
Hurdle said he grew up watching the Steelers and now to meet Rocky Bleier and Franco Harris and some of the new group that's in, there is a lot of "common fabric" between them.
"I actually asked him today how hard was that the conversation you had with Dick LeBeau," Hurdle said. "Those are things I want to ask a proven veteran like that and he said, 'Man, it's hard, but we had to do it, but we miss him every day.' We talk about different challenges that we have from leadership positions and it's great that he listens."
Tomlin said he and the Steelers root for the Pirates and he appreciates what they have accomplished.
"It's been particularly rewarding, they've gone through what you would consider a culture change" Tomlin said. "We all know in our businesses how difficult that is. A lot of people give it lip service, but it's a tremendous process. To see them push through it and continually push through it, I know they have some fields to plow, but it's been awesome, I'm happy for them, I'm proud of what they've been able to do."
So does Tomlin scout the room for potential football players?
"Oh yeah, those big athletes, I always kid Hughes when I see him," Tomlin said. "He's the one that I'm locked in on. I'll take Cutch too, I bet you he could settle under a punt."
