Over the course of the past two NFL seasons, the Pittsburgh Steelers have continued to struggle to run the ball against their opponents. During the 2019 NFL season, Pittsburgh was ranked twenty-ninth in rushing yards per game. In the same category, the Steelers were ranked thirty-first in the NFL during the 2018 season.
Whether the Pittsburgh Steelers have Ben Roethlisberger or not, they have had an on-going problem with their running game. As a result of their inability to move the ball on the ground, I believe the team should look into hiring a senior offensive assistant who could also serve as Pittsburgh’s running game coordinator.
This hire would compliment offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner, who no doubtingly could use all the help after an abysmal offensive year for the Steelers.
Why the Pittsburgh Steelers need to hire this experienced NFL coach
Bill Callahan is the coach the Pittsburgh Steelers need to contemplate hiring. Callahan most recently worked for the Washington Redskins as the team’s offensive line coach and assistant head coach. This was until Jay Gruden was fired midway through this past season.
As a result, Callahan was tasked with taking over the Redskins team as interim head coach. After taking over as interim head coach, Bill led Washington to a 3-8 record after the team started the year 0-5. ESPN’s John Keim reported that Callahan is indeed no longer with the Redskins organization. This is due to Washington’s on-going coaching carousel, and culture change under owner Dan Snyder.
Bill Callahan’s NFL coaching experience
Bill Callahan started his NFL coaching career with the Philadelphia Eagles back in 1995 as their offensive line coach. Since his NFL coaching debut, Callahan has worked as an offensive assistant for the Oakland Raiders, New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, and of course the Washington Redskins.
Callahan had one career head coaching job in the NFL, and this was after Jon Gruden was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the conclusion of the 2001 NFL season. Someone with his kind of experience in the NFL is the exact reason the Pittsburgh Steelers need to hire him as an offensive assistant.
Former Washington Redskins employee’s opinion on Bill Callahan
Curious with what kind of person, and coach the Pittsburgh Steelers would get out Bill Callahan: I reached out to former Washington Redskins events coordinator and game-day production employee Albert Mattheis via Twitter.
Albert went on to say that, “What Pittsburgh would get out of Callahan would be a coach similar to Mike Munchak. Someone passionate about the running game. The Steelers have already enjoyed, to some degree, a system that seems plug and play. No matter who the running backs are they produce. Callahan would keep that going.”
Conclusion of why the Pittsburgh Steelers should add Bill Callahan
The Pittsburgh Steelers need to sign Bill Callahan based on his experience, success in the NFL, the team’s need for a running game coordinator, and his passion for the running game. Randy Fichtner needs an individual constantly in his ear to run the ball on the ground more.
As I stated previously, Callahan would be the perfect person to compliment Fichtner’s play-calling. Ben Roethlisberger can not continue to throw the ball 675 times per season if he wants to play for a couple more years. Bill would help keep the offense honest, and realistic for years to come. It will be interesting to see where Callahan gets hired next, but there is no doubt the Steelers would be a perfect fit.