James Harrison: Patriots' Bill Belichick is a better coach than Steelers' Mike Tomlin

Retired NFL linebacker James Harrison believes that Bill Belichick is a better coach than Mike Tomlin.

Speaking Thursday on Undisputed on Fox Sports 1, the five-time Pro Bowler said he appreciated the discipline and regimen that Belichick brings to the New England Patriots, while he believes Tomlin, the Pittsburgh Steelers coach, could be "more consistent across the board with everyone."

"Mike Tomlin's good as a head coach," said Harrison, who split time with the Steelers and Patriots last season. "He's a player's coach. I think he needs to be a little bit more disciplined.

"The big thing with Belichick is he's very regimented, he's disciplined. Everyone is going to be on the same page. It's not going to be anything as far as someone doing their own thing."

Harrison, 40, spent the majority of his career in Pittsburgh before his acrimonious departure midway through last season. After spending most of the year as a healthy scratch, frustrated by his lack of playing time, he was released and later signed by the Patriots. He went on to be a significant contributor in New England down the stretch.

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As he switched from Tomlin's coaching style to Belichick's, Harrison said on Fox Sports 1 that the difference was stark. He said the Patriots have "meetings after meetings" and described Belichick as "old school."

When asked by co-host Skip Bayless if he believes that Belichick is "by far" a better coach than Tomlin, Harrison replied, "To me, yes."

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Contact Tom Schad at tschad@usatoday.com or on Twitter @Tom_Schad.