The Dallas Cowboys’ defense recently tried a common trick for struggling teams: a players-only meeting. But if you ask long-time Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, that move comes with one absolutely brutal conclusion. When he was asked about the topic on the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce, Tomlin kept it short and not sweet: “I think you’re dead.”
Tomlin’s Unfiltered Take on “BS” Meetings
Tomlin didn’t mince words about the state of a team compelled to have those kinds of internal discussions. He wasn’t just being blunt about being “dead” either. He offered up an even more specific assessment for any team whose internal huddle becomes public knowledge. “If it did occur, I’d like to not hear about it,” Tomlin said, adding the kicker: “The fact that you hear about it is what makes it BS.” He’s basically saying if you need to talk amongst yourselves to fix things, and everyone finds out, you’re already in trouble.
The Tomlin Standard: No Losing Seasons, No Secret Meetings
Think about that for a second. In his 19 years leading the Steelers, nobody can recall a single players-only meeting ever getting out. And guess what? The Steelers haven’t had a losing season in nearly two decades with Tomlin running the show. Coincidence? Tomlin doesn’t think so. He points out that in any other context, leaders meeting without their designated leadership around, like students without a teacher or workers without management, would be seen as “planning for a potential mutiny.” It’s not a sign of unity; it’s a red flag waving for everyone to see.
So, for any team thinking a closed-door chat is the answer to their early-season woes, maybe take a page from Tomlin’s book. If you’re having those meetings, and especially if everyone knows about it, maybe you’ve already lost the battle. Better figure it out fast before you’re truly, as Tomlin puts it, “dead.”
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pro Football Talk.
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