Big Ben & Mike Tomlin share SBXLIII stories, talk best defense Tomlin has coached, and more! Ep. 23

Ben and Spence are joined this week by 2x Super Bowl Champion and Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin. Ben and Coach T recall their favorite moments of SBXLIII, talk player safety, and who is the best defense that Tomlin has coached, along with so much more!
Be sure to follow @footbahlinwithben on Instagram for beer lists, giveaways, and exclusive content.
**Want to send Ben and Spence beer to try on the show? **
Send to:
Grail Logistics, c/o Tyler Azar​ (footbahlin)
2175 Big Sewickley Creek Road, Sewickley, PA 15143
Now available on Spotify and Apple podcasts!
0:00 - Intro
6:43 - First Beer (Cinderlands - Con Pane)
17:27 - Tomlin’s college days
20:00 - How Tomlin became a defensive coach
27:00 - Tomlin’s take on the college portal and NIL
30:16 - First food item (Virginia country ham & biscuit sandwich)
34:35 - Will there ever be a league that rivals the NFL
39:11 - How making the game safer impacts play
46:45 - CIN vs KC playoff redo down play
47:30 - Tomlin’s perspective on Ryan Shazier’s injury
56:48 - Coach Tomlin’s advice to young coaches
58:50 - Second Beer (Center of the Universe Brewing - Richmond Rally Cap)
1:01:47 - The best defensive that Tomlin has coached
1:01:42 - Second food item (Truffle fries)
1:11:38 - When did the Steelers feel like it was Tomlin’s team
1:18:48 - Tomlin’s perspective on SBXLIII
1:32:48 - Third food item (Crab cake)
1:34:25 - Third beer (Aviator Brewing - Gigablaster)
1:35:40 - Coach T shares his favorite Ben story
1:38:05 - Two minute drill

[@JustBombsProductions]

Shoutout to Ben & Spence for continuing to give us the guests we really want. Definitely a Troy & Shazier episode

[@allthingssports4575]

Yo JBP, i grew up on your highlight videos. Best highlights on KZbin

[@kingdawg5830]

​@@allthingssports4575 I agree

[@deadboyzX8]

Yes we Wang those 2 guys please

[@camletson8256]

Yooo the goat has entered the chat

[@kathleengalley7488]

Love watching you guys and the great stories about the Steelers

[@stevenmooradian9505]

Love seeing Tomlin in an unserious environment. This continues to get better every episode!!

[@doug4]

Watch him on the pivot!

[@countof3everybodyOD]

Obviously

[@blackphilip8936]

I’d like to see Tomlin win a playoff game.

[@bigttvunderground]

M lol m O😊 c m. I. J uvu😮 u guys. V u hto 1:07:16 u 1:07:16 I hi how 😅v. doing y gvy gghttffgy. Guy😮c I ygccvyv. Hug. Hug c ybe y g hug. Y😮y g

[@fredlin6303]

@@blackphilip8936 We all do but still like to see him in this setting talking about everything, not just football.

[@Lauren7x13]

I used to work in the front office of the Steelers and Coach T is as real as it gets. He also is just such a nice man. Every year (not sure if this still happens since covid) him and his wife would take all the girls who worked in the building to lunch and just talk to us and show his appreciation for what we did behind the scenes for the team. Easily one of my best memories of my 4 seasons there. Class act all the way. Loved this episode, as always!!

[@Watchingvideoslikeu]

That’s awesome, how did you apply for the job? I work in data science and I’m trying to leaving federal contracting and work in professional sports

[@dillo5881]

@@Watchingvideoslikeu how could I at 25 start looking into getting federal work? I’d appreciate it. But her story is definitely dope, Steelers always been my team

[@TheOneTrueKingg]

Fuck the dudes..? Lol. Coach T and wife were "recruiting" was all.

[@louisbadial6578]

Damn that’s awesome

[@dannygray-mi3xn]

The fact that the Steelers have only had 3 HCs since 1969 speaks volumes about the franchise and the great HCs who they have had.

[@chrisabrams6153]

Hell yeah Coach T on the Big Ben podcast that's what I'm talking about

[@Onslaughttech9]

What im saying bro

[@dameshamroc]

Mike Tomlin is pure class. Proud to be a Steeler fan.

[@BlisteringRageGaming]

It's so weird hearing Coach T talk casually 😂

[@ryanporter1997]

Love how mike and spence are talking while Ben is just chowing down lol 😂

[@scruffydelilah1186]

I think that’s what makes it great. Feels like you’re in Ben’s basement chilling with them

[@DunnFun]

It's so great to see Mike Tomlin in a setting like this. The more I hear him, the more I am impressed. So glad we hired this guy.

[@RoadTripZip]

@@blackphilip8936 oh, be silent.

[@digitalizeddeath]

Mike Tomlin is a G

[@dustyfingas2035]

Mike Ts laugh is hilarious in its self he’s got that kinda laugh where you don’t know if he actually thinks it’s funny or not 😂 love my Coach man 😂

[@geraldhiggsjr1958]

My favorite show, my favorite QB EVER!!!! & My Favorite Coach Ever!!!!! You have made my decade!!!!!!

[@MiklehMouse]

❤❤❤

[@davido6170]

Knocking it out of the park with guests. Love seeing the interaction between Ben and coach “call me Mike” Tomlin.

[@Benzzo3000]

Hearing Coach T talk about the Shazier injury game broke my heart all over again.

[@dryhuh]

I see why players gravitate towards Tomlin so much. One of the few coaches who seem like they’d be a joy to hang out with off the field 😂

[@jodywalker9095]

Met Coach T, and he opened the doors during training camp to my boys and they will never forget it! Great man!

[@hadenprentzler8850]

I’ve said bad things about Tomlin before but he absolutely is so many levels above me in football idk why I ever opened my mouth. Respect to you coach. Sorry I’m just an ignorant loudmouth sometimes. Glad to have you coach for us.

[@rm5282]

Wow, that is commendable. That shows open-mindedness

[@chrisabrams6153]

It's cool to see the down home, chilled coach T man. Seemed comfortable and relaxed. This man goes hard during the year, nice seeing him take it easy. Can't wait for the season though! 12-4 baby easy

[@ralphperez8212]

12-4 ? 17-0 baby come on now

[@chrisabrams6153]

@Ralph Perez that's what I'm talking about! You right but 17-0! Forgot there's 17 games now haha

[@nathantewkesbury8175]

*Rather they win 11 or 12 games, or maybe only 9. Shit idk maybe they go 15-2. All I’m saying is the playoffs is a guarantee b/c of the QB Kenny Pickett. This guy will be a “top10” in the NFL in 2023. Burrow vs Pickett the next decade*

[@chrisabrams6153]

@Nathan Tewkesbury 100% agree. Kenny Pickett has fire in him and that won't stop until greatness mentality. He's going to be great

[@djcook]

@@chrisabrams6153 facts

[@bearzden]

Tomlin is one cool coach.. Who talks like this in the NFL.. What a heck of a good dude. This team seems very down to earth too & I see why.. Coach Tomlin.. Go STEELERS..!!

[@blackphilip8936]

Yeah, he’s cool. But he is a mediocre coach. But winning championships doesn’t matter any longer. It’s all about feelings now. And Steeler fans just love to say “Coach T has never had a losing season!” Here’s your participation trophy. Over the last decade, he’s turned a football juggernaut into a mediocre franchise. The Standard is the Standard.

[@chrisboyles9675]

Yeaaa

[@a_coleman11]

He did win a ring.. plus longevity matters in the NFL. Betchu $100 if Tomlin was let go, someone would sign him IMMEDIATELY.

[@rm5282]

​@@blackphilip8936 dude. The guy has 2 super bowl rings as a coach. Give it a rest.

[@fredlin6303]

@@blackphilip8936 The story they have on the peripherals of the football is what makes this podcast special. The back stories, the personal believes makes you appreciate them as people, not just football people.

[@sammogaming9732]

“I’m tired boss” has to be the funniest thing I’ve heard all day. The best thing is you could just imagine Deebo saying that 😂😂😂

[@rt-ston]

Ben was one of the toughest quarterbacks in NFL history! Here we go Steelers! Steelers 4 life!

[@AustinBurke]

I’ve been so hyped for this episode. Tomlin is about to bring the energy 🔥🔥🔥 Love you guys

[@BlitzBurke]

Austin, you’re a Steelers fan too?

[@williamwhalen7764]

Coach is a throw back from a time long ago, and will go into the HOF and represent the the Steelers the way it should be . A leader, tough and a champion.

[@NeweraGolf]

You can tell how smart tomlin is, how sharp his memory is and how he is able to vividly describe something for you w an array of words and phrases 😂 also you can tell a straight up real ass dude a genuinely good dude, he forsure is that.

[@JoshCrawford]

As a long time Steeler fan, I really appreciate the podcast for facilitating these authentic conversations. It means a lot!

[@jackhenry290]

I’m a browns fan. I admire coach Tomlin so much. What an incredible leader

[@JeffWhite417]

Love seeing Coach T. in a comfortable setting just rapping with friends. What a leader and ultimate coach. Love him and the Steelers Nation.

[@LandonUesele]

Coach T 🐐 Cool to see him in a relaxed setting. Here We Go Steelers!

[@demondbrown206]

Hot damn! Mike T. I was honored to meet and talk with him at training camp. My boy Kendrell Bell hooked me up.

[@dewayne638]

I remember that hard hitting LB won DROY I believe

[@michaeldoud3695]

Thank you Ben and Spence for having Mike Tomlin as a guest. I love Coach T. Such a humble, charismatic, wise, Godly man. Every time I see/hear him in an unscripted setting, I always gain a new bit of wisdom that I can apply to my life and hopefully pass on to others. That’s true leadership. God bless and best of luck to many more great years as The Coach of the greatest football team in history!! HERE WE GO STEELERS!!!

[@chrisdavis1301]

I’m from Florida. I’m coming to PA for a leadership conference. I know it won’t happen, but I hope I run into this dude. Coach T so cool.

[@selfdestruct5443]

Need to have coach T back, he is a national treasure. Great dude

[@St0ut]

Gonna miss both y’all. Steelers for life

[@tka72]

Could be the first 2hr long KZbin video I ever watched all the way to the end...thanks guys! Now I know why every NFL player wants to play for Coach T.

[@michaelt5415]

Steeler fan all my life, started with Bill & Stewart, went to Maddox and matured with Ben and Mike. Love and appreciate you fellas

[@annmariebroos6439]

What a great guy Tomlin is!🖤💛

[@markclayton1607]

Love this show. Im retired now, but coached for 38 years and this is so much fun to watch and listen to . Its kinda like hanging out in the coaches office.

[@fredlin6303]

Coaching is about watching a young person come into your life seeking your knowledge and leaving you as a friend.

[@sheilahuggins5146]

Well said.

[@marvindwallacesr3828]

Ben & Mike T I would like to thank you for doing this podcast show because it has allowed me to se coach Mike in a different light. I appreciate Him so much more for his outlook. I am starting to understanding coach Mike. It would be a dream of mine to talk to Mike to help me see how I could be a better person & man. GOD Bless all you guys & all my prayers with you. May GOD keep smiling on all you guys & thank you for the show🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@fredlin6303]

Tomlin has done many podcasts before but he's always down to earth and no BS. People may not agree with his coaching in football but there is no denying his love for his players.

[@NeweraGolf]

Bro go watch the pivot episode he did w Ryan Clark and Fred Taylor n them.. dudes too notch

[@MyGman18]

Love Coach T (Mike) thank you for everything you do! You’re an inspiration to my fathering abilities! I don’t seek comfort because of you! You’re an amazing leader! I work at the stadium and I enjoy watching you lead us to victory!

[@chadhagerman6849]

This is huge for fan's to see and get up close with Mike. It will help some fan's see him in person

[@marymoninger3593]

Coach saying the craft beer tastes like craft beer…he really is a man of the people

[@jayaywhy3039]

I love seeing Coach T in this sort of atmosphere. I can tell why the players love him. Hes a legit dude lol. Im used te seeing him being short with the press.

[@jeremyrabon517]

Not one dull moment in this podcast. Respect to Coach T and respect for the questions they delivered. Amazing job.

[@prestondevader6199]

This is awesome getting to see a different side of coach T. I’ve been here since Bill came and went, love watching coach T imprint his legacy on both Pittsburgh and the NFL

[@StewartAllenShow]

Didn’t realise my soul needed this!!! Love Coach Tomlin!!!

[@Rattlesnake12]

The vast amount of knowledge coach T has is astounding. I come from old school of watching coach Noll, Green, Lambert, Bell, Webster, Shell, and so on and it gives me great pride in the safety of the Steelers legacy being carried forward and continues to be forged by coach T.

[@Rayceemon]

Much respect to Coach T for the man that he is, and the things he stands for. Love that he is our Steelers head coach. Next get -- coach Bruce Arians and maybe his wife too. They seem like a great couple, and I bet they have more than a few great stories to share. BTW, the 2-minute drill segment is a keeper. Fun stuff. Thanks Spence and Ben.

[@maxwellcoleshow]

If only time could stop. Great Interviews like this are timeless. Love coach T and Ben. As a Pittsburgh native, now living in LA, I loved hearing this interview. You did a great job of asking coach questions that’s we normally wouldn’t hear and this made every word glue like and sticky. Outstanding job! That food looked tasty too!

[@TheSpadre]

I love that the Steelers have kept their loyalty tradition with Coach T. I wish more organizations would follow their example.

[@usernotfound904]

Seeing coach without a hat is crazy!

[@ZblockWoW]

This show never ceases to impress me. Every episode is straight entertainment and informative and I love it. Shout-out to Coach T 🤜🏾🤛🏻

[@georgeotj5269]

Excellent show. Coach T (Mike - lol) is rather easy to talk to and always does so in a "No nonsense" kind of way. GO STEELERS!

[@Ezmunny14]

Love the Family Feud segment.!

[@lofttm969]

As a lifelong Virginian, we are proud to call Coach one of ours. Steelers have always been my AFC team - except when they play Washington. Much love from Shenandoah

[@derrickelam9027]

I love this podcast. Coach T is the man. Great work guys!

[@gosteelers2291]

Another absolute GEM of a podcast….. & honestly Big Ben asks some of the best questions I’ve ever heard anyone ask before. He’s very gifted in that dept. Keep up the great work fellas. I love everything u guys are doing. Thank u for the HOURS & HOURS & HOURS of entertainment. Much appreciated!!!

[@realtorjeanhoffman9748]

Love seeing Coach T in this casual setting! I can see why players love to play for him.

[@kylemerritt2707]

The greatest podcast episode I've ever watched.. definitely full of emotions

[@MiklehMouse]

❤❤❤

[@Doogle81]

These shows are so awesome!!!! Coach T was fantastic!

[@ImjaTse6189]

FwBR is literally the greatest show on the interwebs. Deserves a couple million subs. Period.

[@jaybo420]

Great time hanging out, thanks for your humble faithfulness. God bless you and family,Pittsburgh

[@chasen1417]

Everything I've been wanting since they started making this podcast. Keep it up Ben

[@joythomas83]

I would just love to be a spectator at the filming at one of these. Just love Ben 🥰

[@michaelsvr6]

I used to drive from Toronto to Pittsburg to watch Steelers play. Good old times

[@brianfriedman2348]

Im a Falcons fan in Atlanta, but I will listen to Coach Tomlin anytime. His command of the English language can be mesmerizing at times.

[@shanniparrotta1]

Excellent interview! Lifelong Steelers fan and this is a dream podcast. Thank you!

[@CharlesVaBeach]

Shout out from Newport News, Va die hard Yinzer all my life. Coach T on Big Ben pod cast classic😊

[@pathutchison7688]

Thank you so much Coach Tomlin for coming in this show and sharing so many great insights and stories. Beat episode ever. Thank you Ben for having a show where you bare everything and aren’t constantly just trying to look cool.

[@tylerschafer2103]

COACH T!!! Can't wait to see ya at ManUp Pittsburgh this year! Would love to see Ben return in person in the future.

[@thomasdatrain5762]

we definitely need a part 2, I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. But definitely need a fTroy, Shazier, and Kenny episode in the future!

[@itzchic824]

This was great. Bring him back when you can please!

[@user-vm6ps2yl7x]

wow thats so awesome, for Coach T to take time out of his busy schedule and come visit you at the retirement home .

[@OrbisonTributeArtist]

I think that Coach T is a truly special guy. So great to see him in such an informal setting. Thanks Ben, both for the memories of your play and your new forum.

[@danielneal8644]

Awesome episode, and the more I see of Coach Mike Tomlin like this reinforces my belief of how amazing he is as not only as a coach, but as a human being.

[@blackphilip8936]

He’s always been a better human being than a coach.

[@danielneal8644]

@@blackphilip8936 I hope you are better at being a human being than you are at your profession but still excel at that as well!

[@ruggedmeetsrefined5345]

Not a Steelers’ fan. Have always respected Tomlin and the Steelers from afar. But after listening to this, what I admire the most about Coach Tomlin is it seems as if he puts a lot of thought into his stances on certain topics. While I may not agree with him on everything, I have a lot of respect for someone who earnestly seeks good information to figure out where they stand. A lot of people form knee jerk opinions and fanatically defend them, regardless of how much context they are missing. I can also tell that Tomlin is a warrior, can see it in his eyes and demeanor. Great episode!

[@bobschmidt3610]

Love Footbahlin with Ben and I love that your guest for this episode is Coach Tomlin!

[@jackslutsky6644]

Great show ben & spence. From beginning to end.

[@therese1226]

This is my favorite podcast and this episode was HUGE. Thank you Coach for your insight. I love you and Ben and Spence. A bright light in my world.

[@MonkeyWrench]

I love that Ben pointed out how Coach Tomlin dances around and evades questions. On the flip side, this is the most i've heard Coach T say in 16 years.

[@r.williamcomm7693]

What a GREAT podcast. #7 Big Ben, like his favorite QB John Elway, was one those great rare QBs who truly got it & maximized our chances to win every game from day 1 until he retired. Coach T is future Hall of Fame & also has a great sense of humor. Love both but appreciate both even more now. Thank you!

[@SteelCity237]

Loved this episode, I remember seeing you and Tomlin side by side for your final season Ben…. That was my first Steeler game

[@koailitykolas7710]

Respect Coach T for coming on. Ben pokes fun at Tomlin’s mannerisms in sarcastic ways but I’m glad he got him on the podcast. Not the biggest Ben fan but I respect the heck out what he did during his HOF career. 🖤💛

[@davidsuch8942]

The rapist had no room to make fun of others mannerisms.

[@TheMikeMol]

Mike T never disappoints. Same as this podcast. Here we go!

[@LydianSea]

FANTASTIC INTERVIEW......Coach T is an amazing personality & seems like a genuinely good guy. Great Job Ben & Spence, looking forward to the next episode!

[@keithclark7266]

Listening to Coach Tomlin speak about the difference between his 2008 defense and his 2010 defense. He said the 2010 defense helped put the current player/safety initiative. That got me thinking that the Steel Curtain defense of the 70's also forced the league to change the rules

[@fredlin6303]

"Derek Brooks scored 5 TD." Tampa Bay was an amazing defense.

[@nathanwilliams3839]

I had mad respect for coach T before this but shit dude is something else and one of the all time best!

[@drjay73]

I've been very critical of Coach Tomlin at times during his career with the Steelers but every time I hear him speak in settings similar to this, I understand why he's the coach and have greater respect for him. I still wish he fired Canada but hopefully he'll prove me wrong like he's done many times before

[@Mike-in-PI]

I get why players love working for Mike Tomlin. He really seems like he's fun to hang out with, engaging personality, loves the game and genuinely cares about the players. Thank you Channel Seven for allowing me to experience this side of Coach T!!

[@clacoski]

Coach T!!! Love you guys. Great episode as always.❤️

[@saf1999]

Shazier was my fav player on Pittsburgh that year. I still couldn’t believe when that happen. Damn. Shazier was pure special talent 🖤💛

[@Steelers2121]

I love Coach T if he asked me to call him Mike, I dont think I could. He has always been Coach T to me. I am a lifelong fan of this team, and as far back as i can remember, he has been The coach. He has been my coach in a lot of ways. Everytime i feel like not doing something i have to do or have doubts in my ability I hear coach saying "its not about what your able to do its about what you are willing to do" that has helped me through a lot of things in life and I appreciate that. He is not just the coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers but in many ways he is a life coach if you are willing to listen to what he has to say. Much love. Go Steelers!

[@danielecorwin]

One of your best episodes to date! Love The Coach, The Man, Mike Tomlin.

[@mentalhealthmatters8345]

I really enjoy these videos. I'm not a huge beer drinker, but it is very entertaining. I would love to see Hines Ward on here. I'm sure Hines & Ben have some good memories to share.

[@Juanma-br5pj]

Im watching this from Panama... Steelers worldwide baby

[@bgslash98]

Ben's smirk and Coach T's "go ahead, I know you want to deliver that again" 😂

[@carmonajr.]

I wish Tomlin was my uncle or something, he seems so wholesome and energetic 😭🔥 fire episode guys 🙏🏻

[@nickwatts7640]

Best episode yet and, love seeing coach T just being in this setting. Awesome

[@rashidowens837]

Literally 2 Goats 🥺💯🙏🏾🤟🏿🤟🏿🤟🏿🤟🏿🤟🏿

[@fredmason8937]

Mike T, lots of respect for that man and his work off the field, as well as on.

[@katrinaleith9378]

This is one of my favorite episodes! ❤

[@gkneppy6474]

Absolutely loved this with coach T. But man I wish someone could ask them in the same room what the transition was for Ben from Bill Cowhers offense to coach Tomlin's offense and how he adapted. Would of been a great question!

[@edkiely2712]

Coach T is a straight stud! I'd run through a wall for him!

[@WTFBUTWHY]

You the Kool Aid man?