Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joe Haden knows how big of an influence head coach Mike Tomlin is on the team. It goes beyond the Xs and Os, with Haden painting a picture of what it's like to be mentored by one of the all-time greats not only in franchise history but in the history of the NFL.

“He speaks so passionately. He speaks just so thorough”, the former Steelers defensive back said during a recent guest appearance on ESPN's NFL Live. “He gets through to his team. We understand what he's saying. He just wants the best from his players. I think the one thing that NFL players want is honesty. They want your coaches to let you know where you stand, how you stand, what I can do better. What do you need from me. That's the one thing Coach Tomlin's always going to give you.”

Haden's take on Tomlin's coaching style was also a reaction to a video of the Steelers' sideline boss giving his team a motivational talk during an OTA practice.

Article Continues Below
More Pittsburgh Steelers News
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin during minicamp at their South Side facility.
Why Mike Tomlin is changing Steelers’ practice scheduleBenedetto Vitale ·
3 Pittsburgh Steelers underrated sleepers who could break out in 2025 NFL season
3 Pittsburgh Steelers underrated sleepers who could break out in 2025 NFL seasonRB Hayek ·
Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) battles with Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
Steelers rumors: Ian Rapoport makes T.J. Watt contract predictionDouglas Fritz ·
T.J. Watt trade odds favor Eagles amid contract uncertainty
T.J. Watt trade odds favor Eagles amid contract uncertaintyChris Spiering ·
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks at the scoreboard against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers’ Mike Tomlin weighs in on T.J. Watt contract situationDouglas Fritz ·
Aaron Rodgers (in street clothes) smiling. DK Metcalf (in a Steelers uniform). Both surrounded by googly emoji eyes
What Steelers’ DK Metcalf likes so much about Aaron RodgersGuillermo Guajardo ·

What is perhaps a bigger testament to Tomlin's ability to make players run through a wall for him and the team is the fact that he owns the NFL record for most consecutive non-losing seasons which is now at 16 after steering Pittsburgh to a 9-8 record in the 2022 NFL campaign. The Steelers missed the playoffs that season but showed exceeded expectations with a quarterback room that featured Mitchell Trubisky and a rookie in Kenny Pickett.

The Steelers will open their schedule in the 2023 NFL season with a home game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sep. 10.