The Pittsburgh Steelers will begin training camp this week at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe under new head coach Mike McCarthy. Former players and beat writers have highlighted key differences from the practices led by Mike Tomlin over the past two decades.
Players are scheduled to report to Saint Vincent College this week. McCarthy replaced Tomlin, who stepped down in the offseason after nearly 20 years as head coach.
Former offensive lineman Trai Essex said Tomlin’s conditioning test was easier than Bill Cowher’s because players were expected to arrive in shape. Essex noted that under Cowher, camp often served as a time to get into shape.
Former quarterback Charlie Batch said Tomlin started practices in pads immediately, unlike Cowher’s approach of beginning in shells. Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo said on Monday that practices under McCarthy are expected to be less physical than those under Tomlin.
Fittipaldo added that McCarthy favors a rapid pace and intensity without players hitting the ground. Accounts from McCarthy’s time in Dallas and Green Bay indicate he stops practice if players go to the ground on receptions or pass deflections.