Club Shay Shay – Deebo & Joe: "Mike Tomlin Steps Down as Steelers Coach + Giants Hire John Harbaugh"

Date: January 16, 2026
Host: James "Deebo" Harrison
Co-host: Joe Haden

Episode Overview

This episode of Club Shay Shay dives deep into the departure of Mike Tomlin as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the concurrent news that the New York Giants hired John Harbaugh. NFL veterans James "Deebo" Harrison and Joe Haden have an unfiltered, passionate debate on Tomlin's legacy, the definition of coaching greatness, and the future of the Steelers’ organization. The episode explores personal experiences with Tomlin, breaks down what truly sets “Hall of Fame” coaches apart, and examines the challenges ahead for teams in transition.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Reactions to Mike Tomlin Stepping Down (02:24 – 03:00)

• Joe Haden shares his emotional reaction to Tomlin's resignation, stating it “hit me for a little bit” despite being glad Tomlin chose to leave on his own terms.
• Haden: “I'm happy how it happened and how he's able to walk away... I rock with Coach T big time.” (02:28)

2. Is Mike Tomlin an “All-Time Great” Coach? (03:00 – 07:21)

• Haden draws parallels between sports “greatest” debates and Hall of Fame standards, arguing that Tomlin is “a great coach,” but not the greatest of all time.
• Compares coaching tiers: “There's a room for the LeBron James and the Michael Jordans... but still, Kyrie Irving is a Hall of Fame player.”
• Haden: “My best coach ever by far was Mike Tomlin... I never went into a game ill prepared.” (04:33)
• He praises Tomlin’s 19 seasons, 13 playoff appearances, 7 trips to the AFC Championship, and 2 Super Bowls.
• Both agree Tomlin was timely and dignified in choosing to move on.

3. Deebo’s Critique: Great Motivator vs. Great Coach (07:21 – 15:28)

• Harrison is more critical, suggesting Tomlin is “an all-time great motivator” but not an “all-time great coach.”
• Harrison: “Players like, they're taking that motivation and the leader of men and they're calling it greatness... To me, a great coach dude has an added dynamic... mentor.” (08:00)
• The lack of a “coaching tree” (assistants who become successful head coaches) is a major red flag for Harrison.
  • “It's been almost 20 years and Mike T. don't have a coaching tree. Why is that, Joe?” (09:55)
• Joe struggles to answer, leading Deebo to elaborate on the unspoken NFL rules and insider knowledge that may have limited Tomlin’s tree.
• Harrison: “GMs and these owners know what's happening behind closed doors, so it would make zero sense for them to... promote him when they already know he doesn't have the skills.” (13:57)

4. Assessing Tomlin’s Roster Control and Draft Record (15:28 – 22:55)

• Both discuss changes in front office power—Tomlin eventually gained final say on roster decisions around 2013-2015.
• Harrison criticizes Tomlin’s draft record post-2015: “We have only given two players in those first two rounds long-term extensions... That is 100% him. Why is that?” (17:12)
• Haden admits the extension rate is not “a good percentage.”
• Mixed views on Tomlin’s early years—Deebo notes Tomlin’s best successes used Bill Cowher’s roster.

5. Playoff Performance and “Greatness” Metrics (22:55 – 35:22)

• Harrison meticulously scrutinizes Tomlin’s playoff record, insistently referencing coaches like Belichick and Andy Reid.
• Repeats: Tomlin is “a good, not great coach,” arguing motivation alone isn’t enough.
• Discussion about the dangers of evaluating coaches based solely on emotional bonds vs. objective field performance.
  • “Motivation... is emotional feelings based. It’s inconsistent play coaching for the last decade because our coach is a great motivator.” (25:00)
• Haden defends Tomlin’s 19-year winning season streak as historically significant: “That doesn't happen. That's just not easy.” (34:42)
• Debate on Hall of Fame Criteria:
  • Deebo: “I can't give him a Hall of Fame coach for [no coaching tree].” (26:26)
  • Haden: “I think he is a Hall of Fame coach. He's a great coach.” (07:21, 34:36)

6. Personal Relationships, Perceptions, and Breakdowns (35:22 – 45:21)

• Both hosts share how personal feelings and NFL politics color their assessments.
  • Harrison brings up his lack of emotional attachment to Tomlin, referencing moments of dishonesty (including a 2018 text exchange):
    “Now you're telling me someone who doesn't listen to the outside noise is texting me that on a Tuesday before he’s playing a Thursday game?” (40:19)
• Haden acknowledges he can only judge based on his personal experience and preparation under Tomlin.

7. The Coaching Tree – Why It Matters (45:21 – 54:11)

• Deebo explains the value of coaches elevating their assistants into head coaching roles, using Dick LeBeau and Keith Butler as mentors who directly impacted his career.
• Both bemoan lackluster staff development and the questionable merit of promoting from within.
  • “A great coach gets you beyond what your actual level of play is.” (45:32)

8. Roster Rebuild and Reimagining Pittsburgh’s Future (60:45 – 66:23)

• The hosts agree the Steelers face a likely “rebuild”—Harrison predicts, “We gonna be in the basement if we’re trying to rebuild this and I think we need to rebuild this.” (60:54)
• Deebo: “I’m dumping [contracts] for sure. I have to. I gotta start younger…” (65:00)
• Emphasis on hiring proven, not just familiar, coaches.

9. Desirable Coaching Jobs & Steelers’ Next Chapter (68:25 – 71:41)

• Discussion of which NFL job is most attractive; both argue Pittsburgh is still a prime destination due to its history, but success will hinge on the new staff’s vision and power.
• Deebo: “I do not want teachers. I want parents, professors of the game.” (70:56)

10. Listener Q&A: Hiring, Timelines, and “Great Coach” Standards (78:24 – 85:43)

• Viewers suggest James Harrison for head coach; he’d only accept as head coach, not D.C. (Defensive Coordinator).
• Both say the next coach will need a five-year minimum, with expectations of culture change being paramount.
• Acknowledgment of Steelers and NFL tendency to stick with first-rounders and coaches too long due to sunk cost.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

“Coach Tomlin, great coach, great leader of men, great rah rah…But...it was his time to go. I love the way he was an adult, read the room.”
— Joe Haden (05:10)

"Coach T is an all time great motivator...but to me, a great coach has an added dynamic: mentor...it's been almost 20 years and Mike T don't have a coaching tree. Why is that, Joe?"
— James “Deebo” Harrison (09:00)

“Motivation is...very inconsistent, bro. It's a feeling-based thing. That's what we've been seeing in Pittsburgh...inconsistent play, coaching for the last decade.”
— James “Deebo” Harrison (25:00)

“If you're actually the one bringing in the talent...then the buck really does have to stop on you...I'm with you 1000%.”
— Joe Haden (45:09)

"A good coach motivates. A great coach gets you beyond your level of play. Like Dick LeBeau...I won a title under Tomlin...but he was a good coach, not a great one."
— James “Deebo” Harrison (45:32)

“I do not want teachers, I want parents, professors of the game.”
— James “Deebo” Harrison (70:56)

“You got to realize a lot of coaches, when they get this head coach thing, it's a lot of ego that go with that.”
— James “Deebo” Harrison (30:38)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Opening Tomlin Discussion: 02:24 – 07:21
• Motivation vs. Greatness Debate: 07:21 – 15:28
• Coach Tomlin’s Lack of Coaching Tree: 09:55, 13:57
• Draft Power & Results: 15:28 – 22:55
• Playoff Performance Metrics: 22:55 – 35:22
• Personal Relationships & Leadership: 35:22 – 45:21
• Mentorship and Development: 45:21 – 54:11
• Rebuild Future: 60:45 – 66:23
• Who should the next Steelers coach be? 68:25 – 71:41
• Mailbag/Q&A on Tomlin and Next Steps: 78:24 – 85:43

Tone & Takeaways

This episode is marked by candid, at times raw, insider perspective and debate. While Joe Haden lauds Tomlin’s leadership qualities, game preparation, and historic consistency, James “Deebo” Harrison demands sharper lines between motivation and true greatness, focusing on tangible development of staff and players, playoff records, and organizational structure. Both agree the Steelers face a consequential crossroads and urge shrewd, forward-thinking decisions in both roster and coaching staff.

For anyone invested in the future of the Steelers—or the definition of greatness in NFL coaching—this is a must-listen, brimming with unfiltered analysis and first-hand accounts.