Randy Fichtner is out as Steelers offensive coordinator

Pittsburgh is already starting to make some earth-shattering offseason moves. Randy Fichtner and others will not return to Steelers in 2021.

Steelers fans everywhere are rejoicing right now with the breaking news that offensive coordinator, Randy Fichtner is officially out in Pittsburgh. According to the report by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Steelers will not be renewing his contract as they will begin the search for a new offensive coordinator. Also leaving the team is offensive line coach, Shaun Sarrett, and defensive backs coach, Tom Bradley.

This news doesn’t come as a major surprise. The Steelers were looking for their first playoff win since the 2017 season. After a perfect 11-0 start to the year, Pittsburgh was one of the most disappointing teams in the league down the stretch – winning just 1 of their final 6 games (including the playoffs).

The disheartening loss to the Clevland Browns in the Wild Card round was no doubt the final nail in the coffin, as Fichtner’s offense turned the ball over four times in the first quarter alone as Pittsburgh was down 28-0.

Fichtner was well-liked to begin with as he had one of the best red zone offenses in the NFL after his arrival. However, much is the case for most offensive coordinators after a while, they fizzle out, and Steelers fans had enough of his conservative and methodic play-calling. Now, those chanting ‘fire Fichtner’ over the past few years finally got their wish.

What does this mean for Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger?

With three coaches from the 2020 season already packing their bags, we must wonder what this means for the Steelers moving forward. My first thought upon hearing the news was whether or not quarterback coach Matt Canada would be offered the job. In a way, however, I’m surprised that they got rid of Fichtner at all; that is if Ben Roethlisberger plans to play next year.

Roethlisberger and Todd Haley didn’t exactly get along prior to the offensive coordinator’s departure from the team. This last time around, Big Ben had a hand in the hiring process and was on board with Fichtner. Roethlisberger turns 39 years old this offseason, and I can’t imagine him wanting to start over getting to know a new OC and a new offense. Matt Canada makes sense for the job in a way, but Ben was reluctant to run all of the pre-snap motions and play-action that he brought to the table.

Is this the end for Ben Roethlisberger? We may not know right away. But getting rid of the offensive coordinator he wanted there to finish his career almost seems telling. One thing is for sure: the Steelers have already made some earth-shattering offseason moves. Stay with us to see where this thing goes.