Why did Tomlin let Mark Whipple slip through his fingers? Thursday, September 17, 2009

Three key factors led to the Steelers turning around their 6-10 2003 season and going 15-1. The first reason is, of course, is Ben Roethlisberger, the 11th overall selection that year. The second reason is the coming of age of Troy Polamalu (drafted in 2003).

The third, hidden reason, was the new quarterbacks coach Bill Cowher hired, Mark Whipple. The guys was the head coach of John's own U.Mass. He had won a 1-AA championship. And he helped make Ben Roethlisberger a ridiculously successful quarterback.

Whipple stuck around for a couple more seasons, earning a Super Bowl ring, until Bill Cowher retired. When Tomlin took over, he kept a couple Cowher assistants, such as Dick LeBeau and LB coach Keith Butler. Perhaps he would have kept offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt as well, if he hadn't already taken the head coaching job in Arizona.

So Tomlin needed an offensive coordinator. There were two good candidates on staff: WR coach Bruce Arians and QB coach Mark Whipple. For some reason, Tomlin went with Arians. Arians did have OC experience, but it was a terrible stint with the Browns. So why did Tomlin choose him? I don't know. Perhaps he asked Ben's opinion and Ben liked him better. Perhaps Whipple asked privately for his own release. I don't know.

All I know is, as I type this I'm watching the Miami (FL) offense rock Georgia Tech's world and lo and behold, their offensive coordinator is none other than Mark Whipple!

Meanwhile, a huge part of the Steeler's offensive problems is the terrible play calling by Bruce Arians, a problem rectified only when Ben calls his own plays. We won the Super Bowl despite him.

Oh how I wish Tomlin would have picked Whipple.