It can be difficult to tell how much a team cares for its head coach. The obvious locker-room catastrophes speak for themselves – defenses quitting on quarterbacks, players making their voices heard in ways that raise concern – and get remembered when coaches get fired. But for coaches who truly get the best out of their players, the results aren’t always tangible. The Pittsburgh Steelers don’t have that issue, especially this year.
Head coach Mike Tomlin is one of the most well-respected figures in the sport. The team’s reputation is defined by playing hard for him and making every Sunday a mud wrestling match. His coordinators, though, have seen wavering support. Last year, offensive coordinator Matt Canada was all but ran out of town. This year’s coaching staff has the complete buy-in of the locker room.
No development epitomizes this like the team’s reaction to big plays and how they celebrate with special teams coach Danny Smith. The team has made a habit of over-the-top reactions with their elderly coordinator. After receiver Calvin Austin III took a punt return 78 yards to the house against the New York Giants – a crucial score in a 26-18 win – Smith was mobbed by his understudies. “We are definitely in this together but I told them to stay the hell away from me,” Smith joked, via Brooke Pryor. “I got 300-pounders shaking me and stuff. Dan Moore was shaking me after that one game he said, ‘I didn’t know that you were so light.’ What the hell do you guys think I do? I’m not lifting weights, 300 pounds. I ain’t you. Stay the hell away from me! Just crazy things like that, it’s been fun. But they beat the hell out of me that day.”
Smith is beloved by players and fans alike. His personality makes it easy. The results speak for themselves, too. The unit has made several big plays throughout the first half of the season. By FTN’s special teams defense-adjusted value over average, Pittsburgh ranks third, behind just the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. The difference between the Steelers and Giants (who rank 30th) left its mark on Monday Night Football.
Fortunately for Smith, Pittsburgh has a bye week. At 6-2, Smith will get a break from the embrace of special teamers. “I’m sore, I ain’t even play! I’m gonna be the first coach on the sideline with shoulder pads and a helmet.”
