Published October 14, 2026 04:14 PM
The Cowboys’ defense recently held a players-only meeting. It’s a common technique for teams that are struggling.
In the opinion of long-time Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, there’s one clear conclusion to be drawn as to a team that feels compelled to have a players-only meeting. Asked for his thoughts on the topic during a visit to the New Heights podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce, Tomlin kept it short and not sweet.
“I think you’re dead,” Tomlin said.
Tomlin later offered a more specific assessment. “If it did occur, I’d like to not hear about it,” Tomlin said. “The fact that you hear about it is what makes it BS.”
We can’t recall ever hearing about a players-only meeting during Tomlin’s 19 years with the Steelers. Which may be one of the reasons why the Steelers never had a losing season in nearly two decades with Tomlin at the helm.
In any other context, the idea of those being led meeting in the absence of their designated leaders would be viewed as unusual. If the students meet without the teacher present or the workers meet without management around, it would be regarded as planning for a potential mutiny.
Really, why would the players, students, workers feel compelled to come together in the absence of those who are supposed to be directing them? Especially when, as Simms said on PFT Live, there are plenty of meetings by the team, the offense/defense, and the various position groups.
It’s a manifestation of desperation. And it necessarily tells the world that the players believe the coaches aren’t giving them the answers they need, so they’re searching for answers of their own.