Home 2018 Offseason Is a Culture Change Coming to the Steelers’ Locker Room?

Is a Culture Change Coming to the Steelers’ Locker Room?

by Michael
Munch

One of the glaring deficiencies in my eyes from the Steelers 2017 season was a lack of accountability in the Steelers locker room. Let me get this out of the way first. I don’t think that you have or can have a locker room where everyone can get along perfectly . That would be impossible for any team to achieve. Nor do I think that everyone has to be friends. What I do believe is that you have to have accountability. Accountability from all coaches and team members . The great teams of the NFL’s past have all featured big ego’s and big personalities. What has set them apart and made them champions, is the ability and desire to hold their teammates and coaches accountable. Accountable to a championship standard.

Probably the example that unsettled me the most were reports of coaches and players blowing off meetings or showing up late. When you’re chasing a championship you have to have everyone buy in. Too often some Steelers’ players and coaches have only paid lip service to this. Actions often speak louder than words. Let me also say this, this is by no means an indictment upon Mike Tomlin. I think Coach Tomlin is a very good coach, in the past I believe at times he’s been too much of a players’ coach. I think after the disappointing end to the 2017 season. Coach Tomlin is ready to hold his coaches, his team and himself more accountable.

The best way to keep guys accountable and make sure they’re fully invested is communication. Players and coaches have got to communicate. Leaders need to express themselves to their teammates. To let them know that nothing short of their best effort is required. Leaders need to emerge, leaders in both actions and in deeds. The Steelers need an alpha dog leader to emerge. Not a rah-rah type of leader but someone who sets a strong example in word and deed, someone who refuses to compromise or surrender the goal of winning a championship. And who will not allow anything or anyone to get in the way of accomplishing that goal.

I expect to see a much different locker room in 2018, one where guys will be held accountable. I believe many of the new coaching hires will reflect this. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a guy like Mike Munchak policing the locker room and making sure things are done in a professional way. The Steelers have another tremendous opportunity in 2018. This time they can’t blow it. They need to be all in for the championship chase.

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