Inside Mike Tomlin and Omar Khan’s Seamless Partnership
by Bo Marchionte
Published April 22, 2025, 03:37 PM
For most NFL franchises, a transition at general manager can bring waves of change. New philosophies, restructured processes, and sometimes even a total cultural reset. But in Pittsburgh, when Omar Khan officially stepped into the general manager role in 2022, the foundation didn’t shake. It was more of a quiet continuation than a seismic shift. And that’s exactly how Mike Tomlin likes it.
Khan, who had been a part of the Steelers’ front office since 2001, wasn’t stepping into unfamiliar territory. He had already spent years deeply embedded in the decision-making fabric of the franchise, working alongside longtime GM Kevin Colbert and Tomlin himself. When the time came for Colbert to pass the baton, the Steelers didn’t go searching for a fresh identity. They promoted the man who had long helped shape the one they already had.
In a recent exchange with the media, Tomlin was asked if he’s noticed any differences between working with Khan and Colbert, not just in football matters, but in the subtle day-to-day moments that define working relationships. The question even veered into light-hearted territory: any differences in how the two men travel or eat on the road?
Tomlin grinned. “They both like to eat when we’re on the road,” he said, chuckling. “So there’s definitely some consistency there.”
But then, as he often does, Tomlin shifted seamlessly into a deeper layer of reflection.
“It’s been fun, man,” he said. “Omar and I we’re process lovers. And in this business, there are no shortcuts to chasing greatness. That shared mindset means we spend a lot of time together.
“I don’t really sit around comparing and contrasting Omar with Kevin because, truth be told, this isn’t some brand new relationship. Omar was here before me. He’s been part of the fabric of this organization for years. Back when Kevin and I were making decisions, Omar was often right there in the trenches with us.
“So, for me, this doesn’t feel like a shift. It’s more like a continuation. Titles and roles change, that’s part of life in the league. But we’re not a group that hides behind job descriptions or mahogany desks. We’re about rolling up our sleeves and getting it done. That’s always been the spirit here.”
That spirit. A collective pursuit of excellence with minimal ego and maximum accountability. Has become a calling card of the Steelers organization under Tomlin. It’s a culture forged not by slogans or social media posts, but by years of quiet, consistent work.
The Tomlin-Khan dynamic is marked by trust and familiarity. Khan, known around the league for his cap wizardry and meticulous preparation, brings a business acumen that complements Tomlin’s straight-ahead leadership style. Their alignment has been evident in recent drafts and roster construction a balance of calculated risk and classic Steelers grit.
They don’t need a whiteboard to communicate philosophy. They’ve lived it together for years.
While other franchises flounder in the uncertainty that often follows front office changes, the Steelers have once again opted for continuity. Not out of fear of change, but out of belief in what they’ve built and who they’ve built it with.
There’s no blueprint for success in the NFL that doesn’t include a strong bond between head coach and GM. In Pittsburgh, that bond hasn’t just endured a transition. It’s thrived in it.
And as Tomlin put it best, “We’re more of a get-the-job-done collective.”
Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com
