Mike Tomlin is far from thrilled for Hard Knocks: AFC North debut

Mike Tomlin reaffirms his disdain for Hard Knocks through his refusal to watch the Steelers and AFC North debut on the series.

It’s safe to say fans know one man from the Pittsburgh Steelers organization who will not be watching HBO’s Hard Knocks: In Season with the AFC North premiere. Head coach Mike Tomlin has long made his disdain for the reality sports documentary well known. While the 2024 season has been highly successful for the Black and Gold, it also marks the Steelers’ debut on Hard Knocks. In a series first, the show will follow not just one team but the entire AFC North division.

During the team’s press conference on Tuesday, Tomlin was humorously asked if he would be watching the debut of the AFC North’s Hard Knocks series. The head coach kept his answer short and sweet: “Absolutely not.”

Tomlin has frequently expressed his dislike for allowing reporters or cameras access to the inner workings of his coaching methods. It is likely this transparency, integral to Hard Knocks, that he finds so unappealing.  However, Tomlin still appreciates the challenge that having these cameras brings to the Pittsburgh Steelers organization.

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