Fresh off signing a three-year contract extension that will keep him with the Steelers through the 2027 season, head coach Mike Tomlin was back at the grind on Tuesday as his team took the field for the opening of its mandatory minicamp at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Tomlin liked what he saw from his group as the team continued its ramp up toward the 2024 season.
"(I'm) really excited about the work we're able to do here today," Tomlin said. "I thought the competition was at a high level. I love the energy and enthusiasm, but really I just think that's reflective of where it's been all spring. I think the significant step we're taking here is we just introduced some more situational ball this week.
"The closer we get to training camp, the closer work needs to be more football-like. We acknowledge these drills that we're doing are football, but not necessarily real football. But you're starting to use some situations in two-minute (drills) and things of that nature. It really just elevates the teaching and learning and understanding that there to be gained. And so that's the mindset that we're approaching this week. That's what we're trying to get done. We just want to push it to more football-like work. And that usually starts with down-and-distance-related things like the game-related things or time-related things."
The Steelers have been implementing new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith's scheme as they work toward the start of training camp in late July. And this week of practices is the culmination of what the team has learned throughout OTAs as they push toward the start of the regular season.
Because of limitations placed on teams via the CBA, there's not a lot of time to take things slowly. With that in mind, it's important to take advantage of the situation every time the coaching staff has the team on the field.
The Steelers play at Atlanta in Week 1 of the regular season, and Tomlin noted that while his team is implementing a new offensive approach, the Falcons had an overall coaching change.
"We all have the same amount of time in terms of preparedness," Tomlin said. "The Atlanta Falcons are new in totality. This prep is fair for all parties involved. And so we're not worried about the challenges or our lack of collective experience. We're just trying to make sure that we have good days and understand that we'll get a relative opportunity in those regards."
That said, Tomlin has liked what he's seen of Smith's approach to the installation.
"I just like the energy and detail he brings, the competitive spirit. It creates a really good environment," Tomlin said of Smith, who was Atlanta's head coach the past three seasons. "He's doing a really good job of selling his system of football to the players, increasing the level of understanding.
"He loves to coach. I'd imagine it's refreshing for him to get focused on a certain component of the job again, it's just a lot to be excited about."
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The Steelers had their full roster available at Tuesday's mandatory practice with one exception. Running back Najee Harris was excused from practice by Tomlin.
"He had a prior appointment that was approved by me," Tomlin said. "We expect him back (Wednesday)."
As for his new contract, Tomlin said he wasn't concerned with getting something done - though he is glad that is now behind him.
"I've seen more days and I'm going see on this job," Tomlin said. "I'm focused on 2024 and have been, and that's my mindset."
