3 Steelers coaches the team can’t afford to lose in 2021

Ike Hilliard

While Canada seems like the most likely pick for offensive coordinator, the Steelers have another bright coordinator that makes sense for the position. While he is only finishing his first season as a coordinator with the team, the Steelers should do whatever they can to keep Ike Hilliard on their roster. He has had great success developing young receivers both here and in Washington, and his time as an offensive coordinator.

Even if that opportunity doesn’t happen with the Steelers, keeping him through next year is a must. More than likely, the Steelers will be losing JuJu Smith-Schuster to free agency this year, meaning the team will once again be bringing in a new and young receiver. Hilliard has proven to be a great coach when it comes to young receivers, so having him for next year will be key in developing the Steelers’ next stable of receivers.

The proof with him is in Chase Claypool this year though. While Claypool has obvious talent and natural ability, he excelled with the Steelers faster than most thought he would. Add in the emergence and later reemergence of Diontae Johnson and that shows that Hilliard has a good grasp of the locker room.

This group has thrived with this new coaching, and Hilliard seems like a bright mind. Assuming Canada becomes the next offensive coordinator, Hilliard will likely only be here for another year or two. That said, if the Steelers keep Fichtner longer, Canada is likely gone. That would make Hilliard the favorite to ascend to offensive coordinator. Again, that day is coming, even if it isn’t with the Steelers. The team needs to do what they can to keep him for as long as possible.