Where Steelers Mike Tomlin ranks amongst AFC North coaches in 2022

2nd: John Harbaugh (BAL)

John Harbaugh is one of the longest-tenured head coaches in the NFL today, and there is good reason for that.

Throughout his time in Baltimore, Harbaugh has led his Ravens to multiple playoff appearances. This includes a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. When it comes to keeping his squad relevant, Harbaugh can be thrown into the same pool as Pittsburgh’s Tomlin.

What ultimately hurts his case for being crowned the best in the division is his inability to get over the hump despite all of the talent that he has. The word “talent” in this context is most namely applying to his 2019 NFL MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Since drafting Jackson, the Ravens have still struggled a good deal against their rivals and failed to make it to the AFC title game. While many factors play into underachieving to such a degree, Harbaugh cannot be deemed blameless, and that is why he sits at 2nd place.

1st: Mike Tomlin (PIT)

Did anybody think that, after the grand introduction that he was given at the start of this article, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin would be ranked anywhere other than 1st place?

Now yes, Tomlin does share some similarities with the aforementioned John Harbaugh, such as failing to get over the hump with a solid amount of talent in recent memory. However, Tomlin has both an additional Super Bowl appearance and the advantage in their rivalry with one another.

Most recently, Tomlin has also had arguably worse circumstances surrounding his team, yet he has still managed to hold his own over Baltimore and in general (along with having led his Steelers to an AFC North title since the Ravens last got one).

I, personally, find it hard not to question just how well Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh will be with legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger being gone for good. But until those concerns have anything concrete to go off of, he is the coach to beat in the AFC North.