Mike Tomlin's decision not to renew Joey Porter's contract appeared to be purely based on results. It appears as if there was much more to it. On Friday evening, Steelers' beat reporter Mike Prisuta shared what Steelers several players told him with regard to Porter trying to disrupt locker room chemistry during the 2018 season.

"Had a couple offensive players share complaints about Joey Porter late in the season, that he was trying to pit the defense against the offense in a divisive manner," Prisuta wrote. "The approach wasn’t understood or appreciated. This looks, smells like a move to address culture, chemistry."

Tomlin issued a statement on Friday regarding his decision not to retain Porter on his coaching staff moving forward.

"I have informed outside linebackers coach Joey Porter that we will not renew his contract. These are difficult decisions when it comes to someone like Joey who has meant a lot to this organization as both a player and coach. I want to thank Joey for his coaching efforts over the past five years on our defensive staff. We wish him the best in his future coaching career."

The 41-year-old Porter began his coaching career with the Steelers in 2014, serving as a defensive assistant under then Pittsburgh defensive coordinator, Dick LeBeau. The following season, Porter was promoted to outside linebackers' coach, a position he held through the 2018 season. During that time, Porter worked with several first round draft picks that include Jarvis Jones (2013), Bud Dupree (2015) and T.J. Watt (2017). Jones did not have his contract renewed by the team following the 2016 after a disappointing run with the team. Dupree, who is entering his final year under contact with the Steelers, has been a solid yet unspectacular player during his four seasons in Pittsburgh. He recorded 5.5 sacks in 2018 and has 20.0 sacks during his time in Pittsburgh. Watt, one of the team's biggest Pro Bowl snubs this season, led the Steelers with 13.0 sacks and has 20.0 sacks during his first two NFL seasons.

The 73rd overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft, Porter was the emotional leader of Pittsburgh's defense throughout his eight seasons with the team. A three time Pro Bowler and one time All-Pro selection during his playing years with the Steelers, Porter played a intricate role in Pittsburgh's run to a Super Bowl title during the 2005 season. Porter recorded 60.0 sacks to go with 17 forced fumbles, 10 interceptions and eight fumble recoveries during his time with the Steelers.

After not receiving a new contract following the 2006 season, Porter signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins. In 2008, Porter earned All-Pro honors for the second time his his career after recording 17.5 sacks while helping the Dolphins capture the AFC East division title. After three seasons in Miami, Porter spent his final two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals. He retired after the 2011 season with 98.0 careers sacks, 25 forced fumbles, 12 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries.

Given Antonio Brown's current situation, it's imperative that Tomlin makes efforts to improve the culture that exists within the organization. It appears that, given his decision to remove Porter from his coaching staff, that Tomlin is doing just that as he and the Steelers continue to make changes in preparations for the 2019 season while further removing themselves from a disappointing 2018 campaign.