The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA

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June 12, 2009

Tomlin wants to improve as coach

PITTSBURGH — Mike Tomlin knows there’s one area where the Pittsburgh Steelers can improve: Their coaching.

The Steelers won the Super Bowl during his second season as coach, but Tomlin was as critical of himself as he was his players while making his offseason evaluations. He didn’t reveal his self-given grade, but it was far from perfect.

“I better get better,” Tomlin said Thursday. “That’s the nature of this thing. And getting better doesn’t necessarily mean a better outcome; I understand that. I’m always trying to be the best I can be. I’m as critical of myself as I am of anyone. I think that’s appropriate from a leadership standpoint.

“Hopefully I’ll do a cleaner, more efficient job of that here in ’09.”

There was little discussion about the Super Bowl as the Steelers went through 18 optional spring practices that ended Thursday. There will be review work with the rookies and less-experienced players next week, but most veteran players won’t return until training camp opens July 31.

The Steelers handed out their Super Bowl rings at a private party Tuesday but, otherwise, Tomlin said, “Where we’re headed is my focus.”

There was little news generated during the optional practices, although Tomlin said:

n Limas Sweed, a second-round pick last year, isn’t necessarily the front-runner to replace Nate Washington as the No. 3 receiver. Washington signed with Tennessee.

“We’re not going to be a slave to what someone’s capable of doing from an assignment standpoint in determining who the No. 3 receiver is,” Tomlin said. “We have some flexibility with the other two.”

Hines Ward could move into the slot at times when the Steelers use three receivers, so the No. 3 receiver won’t necessarily be a split end or a slot receiver.

n Dennis Dixon, the former Oregon quarterback, could push Charlie Batch to be Ben Roethlisberger’s backup.

“What he’s capable of doing above the neck will ultimately determine that,” Tomlin said.

“Does he have the ability to be competitive in this game? Absolutely.”

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