Why do the players continue to defend "Mike T"?

[TimmayLake]

It's odd seeing HOF vets like Rodgers and Heyward constantly defending "Mike T" and saying how he's doing an amazing job and should be coach for life. Surely they know they will NEVER win another playoff game under Mike T - what is the reason they will defend him to the death?

[franco32]

I've thought a lot about this.

1. They genuinely like him as a guy. He's the parent that never disciplines his kids and the kids think he's cool.

2. $$$ and career aspirations. Tomlin is good for business. Tomlin is propped up by the national media so if you kiss his ass you have a better shot of your podcast being popular or maybe getting more commercials or advertisements.

Those are the only two reasons I've ever been able to think of for Heyward, Watt, etc's nauseating ass kissing of Coach T.

[6Trophies]

Because it's not right to throw your coach under the bus. Period.

If you see that done then the guy's not a team player and they're not respected.

Don't look for players to talk poorly of their coach.

[DumlinBumlinStumlin]

Standard protocol for business until the other shoe drops.

[anpsteel]

I've thought a lot about this.

1. They genuinely like him as a guy. He's the parent that never disciplines his kids and the kids think he's cool.

I think it’s mostly this

I think we all understand that Tomlin’s strength as a coach is his ability to connect with the players and manage the room. It is clear most of the players love the guy, as a person.

[Steelafan77]

"I feel like every play is unique to itself," said Rogers. "We had some opportunities, and either drops or pressure or just total Mas (missed assignments), or not the right throw. We had a lot of chances. We had plays set up with missed assignments. We had opportunities to take shots with not enough time.

To me, this is an insider indictment of the inept lackadaisical coaching staff failing to lead, guide and direct a team of undisciplined players.

[R_S]

How many fucking times can the announcers say Mike Tomlin will have a job in a second

[Stosh-67]

Cam is ok now being 1-9 in the playoffs?
TJ is OK having played 9 years under Tomlin and not having a single playoff win?

These guys are not the type of leaders you want young players listening to.