Steelers Daily Roundup: Honoring Legends, Reflecting on Leadership, and Looking Ahead
The Pittsburgh Steelers may be in the middle of a transitional offseason, but the echoes of greatness-past and present-are still ringing loud. From tributes to Mike Tomlin’s remarkable run to honoring a Hall of Fame pioneer in Bill Nunn, there’s no shortage of moments that remind us why this franchise holds such a revered place in NFL history.
Jason Kidd on Mike Tomlin: “The Blueprint of Success”
When a coach like Jason Kidd-an NBA champion and Hall of Fame point guard turned head coach-tips his cap to a football mind, it’s worth listening. Kidd recently reflected on Mike Tomlin’s 19-year tenure as the Steelers’ head coach, and his words carried the weight of deep respect.
“Coach Tomlin is the blueprint of success,” Kidd said. “All of us as coaches would love to have that record and that influence on young men.”
It’s hard to argue with that. Tomlin’s NFL record-19 seasons, zero losing campaigns-is more than just a statistical marvel.
It’s a testament to consistency, culture, and connection. Kidd, who visited Steelers training camp in 2024, came away with a lasting impression of Tomlin’s leadership.
“I had never seen anything like that,” Kidd said of his time in Latrobe. “The impact of past players on the present is incredible.
For the Steelers, they lose an incredible leader. He’s the definition of the blueprint for us as coaches.”
Kidd also acknowledged the toll the job can take, mentally and physically, but added, “I think he could do it until he’s 100. He loves teaching, leadership, competition.
I hope this is just a short break and he’s back soon. We need leaders like that to stay in the game.”
Bill Nunn: A Pioneer Honored Once Again
The legacy of Bill Nunn continues to shine, and this week, it got another well-deserved spotlight. Nunn has been named a pioneer nominee for the Black Sportswriters Hall of Fame Class of 2026-a fitting honor for a man who changed the way the NFL scouted talent.
Before he became a legendary scout for the Steelers, Nunn was a journalist with the Pittsburgh Courier, one of the most influential Black publications in the country. But his transition from newsroom to draft room is where he left an indelible mark on the game.
Nunn joined the Steelers in 1967 and quickly became instrumental in identifying talent from historically Black colleges and universities-players who had long been overlooked by the NFL. Thanks to his eye for talent, Pittsburgh found stars like L.C.
Greenwood (Arkansas-Pine Bluff), Mel Blount (Southern), Ernie Holmes (Texas Southern), John Stallworth (Alabama A&M), and Donnie Shell (South Carolina State). That 1974 class alone is the stuff of legend.
Already enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a contributor in 2021, Nunn’s latest honor underscores his dual impact-as a trailblazing journalist and one of the most influential scouts in league history.
Remembering Super Bowl X: 50 Years Later
Sunday marked the 50th anniversary of one of the most iconic games in Steelers history-Super Bowl X, where Pittsburgh edged the Dallas Cowboys 21-17 at the Orange Bowl in Miami. It was a game packed with grit, drama, and unforgettable performances.
Lynn Swann stole the show and the MVP honors, hauling in four catches for 161 yards, including a 64-yard dagger in the fourth quarter that sealed the win. His acrobatic grabs remain highlight-reel staples even five decades later.
And then there was Jack Lambert. The heart and soul of the Steel Curtain defense, Lambert’s fury was on full display after a dust-up with Cowboys safety Cliff Harris. What followed was a stretch of five plays that saw Lambert unleash four punishing tackles-setting the tone for the defense and stamping his name into Super Bowl folklore.
Steelers Offseason Buzz: Retirements, Trades, and Tomlin’s Public Return
Former Steelers nose tackle Breiden Fehoko stirred the pot a bit this week, suggesting that a few cornerstone Steelers could be eyeing retirement or a change of scenery this offseason. While he didn’t name names, the comment adds another layer of intrigue to what’s already shaping up to be a pivotal few months in Pittsburgh.
Meanwhile, Mike Tomlin made his first public appearances since stepping down as head coach. He was spotted in Athens, Georgia, over the weekend-first at a gymnastics meet to support his daughter Harley, then at the Georgia-Arkansas men’s basketball game alongside his wife Kiya and Harley.
It’s a reminder that while Tomlin may be stepping away from the sideline, he’s still very much engaged-especially when it comes to family and community.
Around the League: Tom Brady Talks Rodgers
Tom Brady chimed in this week on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, offering his thoughts on the possibility of Aaron Rodgers retiring. While the details of Brady’s comments are still making the rounds, it’s always compelling when one all-time great weighs in on the future of another.
Steelers Coaching Search Update
The Steelers’ coaching search remains in motion, with several names in play and interviews ongoing. Among the latest developments:
- The Rams’ playoff win could delay Pittsburgh’s ability to interview certain candidates.
- Former Pitt standout re-signed by the team.
- Arthur Smith has drawn interest from another AFC team for an OC role.
- J.J.
Watt didn’t hold back in criticizing the recent locker room leak.
- Klay Kubiak has officially interviewed for the head coaching job.
- Some Steelers candidates are also finalists for other top jobs, including with the Browns and Giants.
Quick Hits from Around Pittsburgh Sports
- Pirates Spring Invite: Konnor Griffin will be a non-roster invitee for the Pirates this spring. The big question-can he crack the Opening Day roster?
- College Football: Former Pitt staffer and Duquesne defensive coordinator Mickey Jacobs has been hired at UConn.
The Steelers may be between eras, but the stories surrounding this franchise-from Tomlin’s enduring influence to the legends of Super Bowl X-remind us that greatness doesn’t fade. It evolves, it inspires, and it sets the standard for what comes next.