Tomlin takes stern, fresh approach with younger Steelers

By Gerry Dulac / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

There will be no discernible difference in coach Mike Tomlin tonight when the Steelers play their third preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He will look the same, walk the same, even act the same.

In seven seasons with the Steelers, he has not been the type of coach who exhibits multiple personality changes or mood swings. No matter the circumstances, he always is focused, determined and, at times, abruptly matter-of-fact.

But a funny thing has happened with Tomlin as the Steelers try to rebound from a disappointing non-playoff season: His players have noticed a change in the way he tries to prepare his team, not only for each game, but for the 2013 season.

"Things have changed in our preparation, the way Coach Tomlin wants this team focused," veteran safety Ryan Clark said. "It's because of the makeup of young guys to old guys. He's constantly preaching to us about being punctual, about being where we're supposed to be, being right-minded, those things we never talked about before."

This change is not a throwback to Tomlin's first season with the Steelers in 2007, when he replaced Bill Cowher and came in with a stern hand, holding every player accountable for even the tiniest of mistakes, even the veterans. He posted something called "The Tomlin News" where any player could be singled out for an infraction -- on the field or otherwise -- that didn't fit with his style.

This change, his players said, is different.

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