Whisenhunt's contract puts Steelers in tough spot

[BullheadCardFan]

Whisenhunt's contract puts Steelers in tough spot

It was only three years ago that Mike Tomlin beat the Whiz, Ken Whisenhunt, for the Steelers head coaching job,. Then he beat him in the Super Bowl.

But Whisenhunt beat Tomlin to getting a contract extension first this offseason. And while it hardly makes up for losing a championship game, Ron Cook of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette points out that Whisenhunt's new deal makes life tougher on Steelers president Art Rooney II.

The Steelers don't overpay anyone, including their coaches. Whisenhunt just got $6 million-per-season in Arizona. That's likely more than the Steelers were planning to pay, yet Tomlin's resume would indicate he's worth more than Whisenhunt.

Cook thought a contract extension for Tomlin was an automatic this offseason, but now isn't so sure. Ultimately, logic says an agreement should get done.

Tomlin knows he's got a great job, and the Steelers know they have a good coach. Tomlin may just have to take less money than Whisenhunt to seal the deal.

Cardinals really stepped up to the plate when they signed Whiz. Shoes on the other foot now, makes the Steelers look cheap.

 

[PortlandCardFan]

Same ol' Cards!

 

[DoTheDew]

I think Tomlin is overrated. Yes winning a SB is impressive, but he took a team that was consistently good, and had just won a SB, kept doing the same things and got them back there. Whiz took over a team that had only had one winning season in 30 years and turned them into a perennial contender. Whiz's resume IMO is more impressive than Tomlin's.

 

[MoeIsBetter]

I don't think Tomlin is a very good coach amd I wouldn't trade him for Whiz. I agree with Dew. Tomlin took a SB team and won a SB. Then the next year didn't even make the playoffs. And I know Troy Polomalu was injured all year but that shouldn't be the excuse. I think the Steelers will slump again next year too (praying like God they do anyway...stupid Steelers...)

 

[football karma]

I don't think Tomlin is a better coach -- but I am not going to run him down either

Whisenhunt has had a far higher degree of difficulty than Tomlin, particularly given that Tomlin didn't have to worry about one side of the ball by keeping Dick LeBeau around.

On the other hand -- to win when you are absolutely expected to do so can be just as difficult.

 

[PortlandCardFan]

Could Tomlin have done what Whiz has done for the Cards? I would say 'no'...

 

[DoTheDew]

Could Tomlin have done what Whiz has done for the Cards? I would say 'no'...

Tomlin has yet to show whether he can coach up a young team. We will see in the next few years as that Steelers D and OLine gets old and is replaced by a new crop.

 

[splitsecond]

We will know after this season if Tomlin is truly a good coach. As of right now, he is not worth what whiz is getting paid now.

 

[WarnerHOF]

Tomlin = Switzer

 

[Perfectionist]

I am just so glad the Cards stood up and took care of Whisenhunt!! Yea, we are always causing headaches for other teams, as we always seem to overpay!

 

[TheHopToad]

Tomlin = Switzer

Bingo!

Tomlin took a great team and made them average.

Whiz took a poor team and made them great.

 

[LoyaltyisaCurse]

Tomlin = Switzer and Seifert

FTFY...

 

[gnomepete]

Whisenhunt's contract puts Steelers in tough spot

My a$$ bleeds buttermilk for 'em . . . ;D

On comparing the coaches, I remember last summer that the Steelers were promised a movie day like the Cards get, but saw the buses to let them think they were going, but they didn't get to go.

I'll back Whiz any day. He gives his word and you can bank on it instead if playing with the players' heads.

Pete