Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has his critiques from the fan base for his lack of postseason success as of late. However, one thing that simply can’t be debated is that his players love playing for him. DeShon Elliott got a chance to play for Tomlin in the 2024 season, and he has not only thrived on the field, but also appreciated the transparency Tomlin operates with. Elliott has played for the Baltimore Ravens, Detroit Lions, and Miami Dolphins before arriving in the Steel City. On Wednesday, Elliott spoke with the media and shared what makes Tomlin so special to him.

AP Photo / Stephanie Scarbrough

Steelers’ Mike Tomlin looks on during a tough game against the Ravens.

Having played under respected coaches like John Harbaugh, Dan Campbell, and Mike McDaniel, Elliott has experienced a variety of leadership styles. Yet, despite the reputations of those coaches, Elliott made it clear that Tomlin stands out in a way the others don’t. According to Elliott, Tomlin is the only coach he’s ever played for who has been 100% truthful with his team, never sugarcoating reality.

Elliott’s comments highlight one of the key reasons why Tomlin remains one of the most respected figures in the NFL, despite the postseason criticism. Players trust him, and that trust translates into a level of buy-in that many teams struggle to achieve. For Elliott, playing for Tomlin isn’t just about Xs and Os—it’s about knowing where he stands every single day, and that’s a rare quality in today’s NFL.

“He’s always been transparent with me since being here,” Elliott said. “He’s the only coach I’ve had in the NFL who’s like that. That’s why he’s my favorite head coach. But everywhere I go, I don’t really care if people care about me being transparent or not. It’s just who I am.”

Elliott has a unique personality that sets him apart. He’s known for being brutally honest and refreshingly transparent, both on and off the field. He’s also a guy who enjoys a good meme, as evidenced by his controversial social media post earlier this season—a post that Team Owner Art Rooney II and General Manager Omar Khan ultimately made him delete.

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Steelers’ DeShon Elliott takes a knee during OTAs in 2024.

Despite that hiccup, Elliott has had an outstanding season and quickly proven to be one of the Steelers’ best offseason additions. It’s clear that Tomlin’s coaching has played a significant role in helping him elevate his game to new heights.

Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Is A Very Popular Coach In The NFL

Elliott’s praise for Tomlin isn’t an isolated sentiment. Patrick Peterson, who spent the 2023 season with the Steelers, echoed similar feelings after just one year under Tomlin’s leadership. Across the league, players consistently vote Tomlin as the coach they’d most like to play for, a testament to his reputation for honesty, respect, and unwavering support.

While Elliott’s comments aren’t intended as direct shots at his former head coaches, they do highlight a contrast. Coaches like Harbaugh, Campbell, and McDaniel are all highly regarded in their own right, but Tomlin’s transparency and no-nonsense approach clearly leave a lasting impression on players who have the chance to play for him.

Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin speaks with DeShon Elliott on the sideline in 2024.

Elliott’s statement about Tomlin being the only coach he’s ever had who’s been fully transparent is incredibly revealing. He spent three seasons under Harbaugh, the head coach of the Steelers’ AFC North rival, the Ravens. Yet, it’s clear Elliott didn’t feel the same way about Harbaugh. In 2022, he played for Campbell, another highly regarded players’ coach known for his passionate leadership, but once again, Elliott didn’t share the same level of admiration for his transparency.

The way players speak about Tomlin says a lot about his impact, not just as a coach but as a leader. It’s that deep respect and trust from his players that likely explains why, despite the Steelers’ recent lack of postseason success, the organization remains firmly committed to him. In a league where coaching turnover is common, Tomlin’s ability to consistently earn the loyalty of his players sets him apart.