5 dream offensive coordinator options for the Steelers

Ike Hilliard

While the three options above are legitimate contenders, these next two would be the odds-on favorite to land an open Steelers offensive coordinator. While many can probably guess who number one is, it would be silly to ignore Ike Hilliard as an option. The wide receiver’s coach has had a lot of success coaching recently. Since his second stint with the Football Team that started in 2014, Hilliard has gotten consistent production out of his receivers and developed some of the best young threats in the game.

This was apparent when he helped then third-round rookie Terry McLaurin become one of the best deep threats from the 2019 draft class. His success in Washington brought him to the Steelers, and he continued building on his success with receivers. While the group had obvious issues, a lot of their struggles came from an offensive game plan that schemed short throws on almost every play. Even with the schematic struggles, the Steelers receiver still found success.

JuJu Smith-Schuster developed as a physical threat while rookie Chase Claypool developed far quicker than anyone expected. Add in the impressive, albeit inconsistent, play of Diontae Johnson and the solid depth in James Washington and suddenly you have one of the better units in the NFL. Hilliard has made his mark as a coordinator, and his time as an offensive coordinator is coming. While he may be around next year as just the receiver’s coach if not promoted, don’t be surprised when he leaves for a better opportunity. He is an up and comer in the coaching ranks and will be a true offensive coordinator sooner than later.