Steelers' Tomlin, Pirates' Hurdle share similar philosophy

BRADENTON, Fla. — Steelers coach Mike Tomlin visited Pirates camp Monday and, as he does every year, playfully nudged 6-foot-7 reliever Jared Hughes to try out for tight end.

“Those big athletes ... Hughes is the one I'm locked in on,” Tomlin said with a grin.

What about former high school football star Andrew McCutchen?

“I'll take Cutch, too,” Tomlin said. “I'll bet you he can settle under a punt.”

Tomlin did not formally address the team, but he did meet with several players after batting practice. He also spoke with manager Clint Hurdle, with whom he often exchanges phone calls and emails throughout the year.

“It's good to have a coaching brother,” Tomlin said, referring to Hurdle. “He's a guy who's right-minded. We share a lot of philosophical thoughts on how to lead men. It's been fun to watch him develop these groups over the years, and I'm excited to watch him do it again this year.”

Hurdle and Tomlin discussed the dynamics of building relationships with players and assistant coaches. Hurdle asked about the conversation Tomlin had when defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau left the Steelers.

“Mike said, ‘Man, it's hard, but you have to do it. I miss him every day,' ” Hurdle said. “We talk about different challenges that we have in leadership positions. It's great that he'll listen and he reaches out to me. I really like the opportunity to pick up the phone every now and then and say, ‘Hey, have you ever dealt with this?' ”

When Tomlin was hired in January 2007, the Pirates were coming off a 95-loss season. Since then, the Steelers have twice played in the Super Bowl and the Pirates have twice been in the playoffs.

“It's been particularly rewarding because (the Pirates) have gone through what you would consider a culture change,” Tomlin said. “We all know in our businesses how difficult that is. A lot of people give it lip service, but it's a tremendous process. To see them push through it — and I know they've still got some fields to plow, if you will — has been awesome. I'm happy for them and proud of what they've been able to do.”

Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey threw out the ceremonial first pitch. As he walked off the mound, Pouncey laughed and waved up to Tomlin, who was cheering him on from the Pirates' suite.

Pouncey said he did not know Tomlin was in town until they bumped into each other while touring McKechnie Field. Pouncey grew up in nearby Lakeland and attended Florida.

Rob Biertempfel is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at rbiertempfel@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BiertempfelTrib.