MIKE TOMLIN GAINS TITLE FOR ‘MOST WINNINGEST BLACK HEAD COACH’ IN NFL HISTORY.
By: CaraG @ExclusivelyCaraG
Mike Tomlin gains title for ‘Most Winningest Black Head Coach’ in NFL History following the Steelers nail-biting 28-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, Nov. 1st. He surpassed Tony Dungy for most ever wins by an African American head coach.
Sunday’s game proved to be an exciting one, at the break, Pittsburgh was down 17–7 and had been outgained by the Ravens 254 to 64. It wasn’t until Lamar Jackson’s final launch from 23 yards into the end zone that Steeler safety Minkah Fitzpatrick knocked the ball down as the clock ran out. This play allowed the Steelers to maintain their unbeaten season record.
Tomlin started his NFL coaching career in 2001 when he became a defensive backs coach in Tampa Bay. It wasn’t until 2017 that he began his journey with the Steelers. Tomlin was hired when he was only 34 years old and executed instant victories. It was only his second season when he became the youngest head coach to win a Super Bowl.
The NFL lacks promoting Black people to leadership positions, leading to the number of black coaches with longevity to be very slim. Although lack of diversity continues to go ignored by owners unwilling to step outside of their cultural comfort zone Tony Dungy, Dennis Green, Art Shell, Fritz Pollard, and of course, Mike Tomlin are amongst the few successful black coaches.
Speaking of black excellence, Tomlin is now in his 14th season leading the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his time in Pittsburgh, he’s gained one Super Bowl title and has never coached a losing season. While Tomlin remains one of the most consistent coaches within the NFL, the Steelers now stand alone atop the NFL at 7–0. This upcoming Sunday, they will travel to Dallas, where they face the Cowboys.
