"Change Isn't Always Bad": Another Steelers Star Speaks Out As Mike Tomlin's Policies Are Phased Out

With every passing week, the Pittsburgh Steelers see a major difference in how the team can be run between different coaching staffs. Mike Tomlin was very stubborn in how he did things, and it feels like new Head Coach Mike McCarthy is completely uprooting everything from the previous regime and putting his own stamp into things. For now, the change appears to be for the better, as reports come out about how Tomlin keeps getting exposed by how the new staff does everything. Things seem to have gotten very stale in recent years, and that's all changing. 

Despite all that, Tomlin was still a beloved coach for how he related to the players and made them feel at home in Pittsburgh. Having 19 years on the job will wear any man down, and it can cause him to stick to his comfort zone. Two things can be true at the same time: the former Super Bowl Champion has a one-way ticket to the Hall of Fame. He and the Steelers also needed a change of scenery to refresh.

While the players were sad to see Tomlin go, they are ready for this new era. In an interview during mandatory minicamp, edge rusher Nick Herbig explained his mindset on all the differences between McCarthy and his old coach.

"I'm not putting a knock on anything we've done in the before or anything we're doing now, but like I said, change isn't always bad," Herbig explained. "There's some new wrinkles and things, so I'm excited to get to work on it."

Herbig must be especially excited to work with the new staff considering he just received a four-year, $100 million extension shortly after he met with reporters. He was expected to hold in, but with the deal done as early as it was, it's time for him to get right back to work. With all the changes being made, it is very important that everyone on the team has total buy-in, and the edge rusher just now bought in. 

Herbig is right: change is not always bad. This is coming from one of the many players that defended Tomlin when fans demanded that he gets fired. He did have plenty of respect for his former coach and the staff around him, but with the new defensive staff, there is a lot to learn. This is the chance to finally break the mold and maybe even get over the hump in the playoffs.

The defense is expected to get change that it has been begging for for years now: a simple system that allows everyone to play fast and not think too much. Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham has made a name for himself for his adaptability and willingness to listen to his players. All reports on that front have reinforced that, so guys like Herbig are very excited for this big change on defense.

Steelers Should Have A Much Bigger Role For Herbig After Extension

Teams don't pay players $100 million to just sit on the bench. Herbig won't be relegated to just taking snaps when a starter needs a breather like he was at times in 2025. It will likely be more of a steady rotation, especially as TJ Watt starts to slow down with age.

Expectations are that no edge rushers will be traded away in 2026, or at least before the season begins. It may still take a while for the former fourth-round pick to see the field full-time.

What do you think about Herbig accepting the massive changes happening around the team with the new coaching staff? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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