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Seven
years ago, Tony Dungy interviewed Mike Tomlin to take over as the
defensive backs’ coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After the initial
meeting with the wide-eyed 29 year-old, Dungy realized that he had
found the man for the job and could sense that his new young coach was
destined for greatness.
In three years with the Buccaneers,
Tomlin helped to lead the NFL in total defense and his defensive backs
were the catalysts in the Super Bowl XXXVII victory over the Oakland
Raiders. At the age of 35, Tomlin was hired to become the
second-youngest head coach in Pittsburgh Steelers history. “I’ve been
around some great coaches such as Tony Dungy,” Tomlin said in an
interview with rolling out. “That’s the number one thing.
I was
around people who did it right. And they took an interest in my growth
and development and I owe those guys credit.” This past Sunday, Tomlin
faced off with his former mentor Dungy, who is now serving as head
coach for the Indianapolis Colts, in a mid-season showdown in
Pittsburgh.
Both coaches entered Sunday’s game in
contradictory positions. Tomlin and the surging Steelers (6-2) were
anchored by the league’s number one defense, and Dungy’s Colts (4-4)
were in need of a win to remain in playoff contention. Tomlin inspired
his defense to enforce its will on the Colts and eventually held the
opposition to under 100 yards rushing. However, Dungy’s defense came
away with three crucial interceptions that made the difference in the
Colts 24-20 victory.
Despite their on-field competition, Dungy
and Tomlin continue to share a deep mutual respect for each other. “I
knew that Mike was going to be a great coach because he has good people
skills,” Dungy says. “He has great knowledge of the game. The only
thing I tried to tell Mike was to be himself and to take charge. He has
done that.”-amir shaw
