Tomlin’s Touch: How ‘Tough Love’ Coaching Shaped Kevin Dotson’s NFL Success, Now Thriving with the Rams on Afterthesnap.com
The Los Angeles Rams’ dominant offensive line has been a key factor in their recent success, paving the way for running back Kyren Williams’ back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and two playoff appearances. At the heart of this O-line resurgence is Kevin Dotson, the Rams’ right guard who has not only solidified the Rams’ front but has also garnered league-wide recognition as one of the NFL’s top interior linemen. But Dotson’s journey to success wasn’t without its challenges, and a significant influence in shaping his career was the “tough love” coaching approach he experienced under Mike Tomlin during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
From Pittsburgh to Paradise: Dotson’s Transition to the Rams
Kevin Dotson’s NFL career began in 2020 when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft. After spending three seasons in the Steel City, Dotson was traded to the Los Angeles Rams just before the start of the 2023 season. While Dotson admitted to feeling “blindsided” by the trade, the move to Los Angeles proved to be a turning point in his career.
In Pittsburgh, Dotson had flashes of brilliance, but he struggled to find consistency. He started 44 out of 69 games. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, he quickly established himself as a key component of the Rams’ offensive line. In 2024, Dotson started all but one game, showcasing his reliability and durability. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Dotson earned an impressive 77.7 grade, ranking him among the league’s best interior offensive linemen.
The “Tomlin Touch”: How Tough Love Molds NFL Talent
Mike Tomlin, the Steelers’ head coach, is known for his direct and honest coaching style. Some might call it “tough love,” but Dotson credits Tomlin’s approach for instilling in him a sense of accountability and resilience.
“It was good,” Dotson said of his time with Tomlin. “You kind of learn that sometimes negativity is needed. You can’t be coddled, you can’t be, you know, eased into a lot of situations. If they tell you to play some position, you gotta play it. They don’t really care if you’ve never played it before.”
Tomlin’s emphasis on accountability resonated with Dotson. “They paid you to do the job, and you gotta do the job,” Dotson explained. “That’s something I’ve learned that kind of sticks with me now. ‘Cause I’m just like if I get into a situation, I gotta make it work, no matter what. And I think that really sticks with me.”
Tomlin’s coaching style isn’t for everyone, but it’s undeniable that he has a knack for developing talent and instilling a winning mentality. He is known for his ability to connect with players. His leadership style balances firmness and compassion. He holds high expectations, demanding their best efforts on and off the field.
Dotson’s Dominance in the Rams’ Offensive Scheme
Since joining the Rams, Dotson has thrived in their offensive scheme, particularly as a run blocker. In 2024, PFF lauded Dotson’s run-blocking prowess, highlighting three games where he earned a run-blocking grade of at least 90.0. His ability to create running lanes has been instrumental in Kyren Williams’ success and the Rams’ overall offensive efficiency.
Rams head coach Sean McVay has also praised Dotson’s athleticism and versatility, noting his ability to move and accelerate in space. Dotson’s skill set perfectly complements the Rams’ zone-blocking scheme, allowing them to effectively run outside zone plays and create opportunities for their playmakers. In a game against the San Francisco 49ers, Dotson received a 90.0 grade from PFF. He made two impressive blocks to clear the way for receiver Puka Nacua.
Leadership and Consistency: Dotson’s Impact Beyond the Field
Beyond his on-field performance, Dotson has also emerged as a leader in the Rams’ locker room. With a relatively young offensive line unit, Dotson has embraced a more vocal role, providing guidance and support to his teammates.
Dotson’s consistency and reliability have been invaluable to the Rams, especially considering the injuries that plagued their offensive line in 2024. He was the only Rams offensive lineman to appear in every game except for Week 18. His ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level has provided much-needed stability to the Rams’ front five.
A Bright Future in Los Angeles
Kevin Dotson’s journey from a “blindsided” trade to a key contributor on a contending team is a testament to his resilience, work ethic, and the impact of “tough love” coaching. As he continues to excel with the Rams, Dotson is proving that he has the talent and mindset to be a dominant force in the NFL for years to come.
On March 7, 2024, Dotson signed a three-year, $48 million contract extension with the Rams. This solidifies his place as a cornerstone of their offensive line. With his blend of physicality, athleticism, and leadership, Kevin Dotson is not only shaping the Rams’ offensive success but also solidifying his legacy as one of the league’s premier guards.