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Mike Tomlin, the former head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, is enjoying his post-coaching life as an analyst for Football Night in America, and he's brought his signature candor to the broadcast. During the Week 7 matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Seattle Seahawks, Tomlin weighed in on the New York Giants' improving run game and the recent release of running back Najee Harris.
Tomlin, who coached Harris for his first four NFL seasons in Pittsburgh, didn't hold back when describing the situation. "Najee Harris spoke out about a lack of rhythm in run/carry opportunities," Tomlin said. "And now he's unemployed. Message sent." The comment was equal parts humorous and pointed, highlighting the consequences of a player publicly questioning the team's scheme.
The Giants had released Harris, a former first-round pick, after he expressed frustration with the running game. Tomlin's remarks seemed to endorse Giants head coach John Harbaugh's approach to establishing authority in his first year with the team. "You can always ease up and be buddy-buddy," Tomlin added. "I just think it's important at the early stages to establish a rapport, and that's what he's doing."
Key Analysis
Tomlin's comments underscore the delicate balance coaches must strike in building a culture. Harbaugh, like Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, is in his first year and faces the challenge of implementing his system while managing player personalities. The Giants' rushing attack struggled early, culminating in Cam Skattebo being held without a carry in Week 6. But in Week 7, Skattebo ran for 124 yards and Devin Singletary added 41, sparking a Giants win that improved their record to 4-2-1.
While Tomlin's remarks could be seen as a jab at Harris, they appear more focused on the necessity of a head coach asserting control. By releasing Harris, Harbaugh made an example of him, and the results on the field justified the decision. Tomlin, known for his charismatic and unfiltered style, simply spoke the ugly truth aloud—something he often did during his 19 seasons with the Steelers.