ESPN AFC North Blogger James Walker gives Tomlin the edge in the below categories. Tomlin rarely gets the credit other great coaches around the league get. He takes it all in stride and has his pulse on the Steelers organization.  In the 5 categories ESPN ranked, Tomlin took home the trophy in 3 of them.

Best ego manager: Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin runs away with this category. Managing people and egos are among Tomlin’s greatest strengths. The Steelers are not a team with many locker room problems, but the few times it’s been an issue — such as Willie Parker demanding more carries in 2008 — Tomlin was masterful in handling the situation. Every Steeler knows his role and there is great chemistry in the locker room. It’s part of the reason Pittsburgh has been to two Super Bowls the past three years under Tomlin.

Best coach-GM tandem: Although Harbaugh and Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome are very good, the slight edge goes to Tomlin and Pittsburgh general manager Kevin Colbert. Both teams do a tremendous job, but the Steelers have had Baltimore’s number lately. Tomlin and Colbert have a healthy respect for one another and don’t overstep each other’s boundaries. Colbert rarely does interviews during the season, leaving that up to Tomlin. The coach avoids the spotlight in the offseason and gives way to his general manager. Both are among the best in the business

Best postgame interview: Tomlin has the edge here, as well. He has the charisma and swagger to carry a news conference, and his are usually refreshing, energetic and honest. Tomlin calls it how he sees it, which isn’t always the case with head coaches. The few times I can recall Tomlin dodging a question have come when the subject veers to officiating, because he doesn’t enjoy getting fined by the NFL.