Like it or not, Matt Canada will be the Steelers OC in 2022

With many questioning his credentials, don’t be surprised to see Canada resume his job as Steelers offensive coordinator in 2022.

The Steelers had one of the worst offenses in the league this past season. This was due to a wide variety of things, from the talent they saw depart during the least offseason to the regression of some of the former stars, this team failed to consistently move the ball. While not all his fault, Matt Canada is certainly deserving of the scrutiny he has received. For those expecting him to be fired though, prepare to be disappointed.

While there is certainly a strong case to fire Canada, it is very much against the Steelers’ way to move on from coordinators in such a fashion. Had this been Canada’s second season as offensive coordinator, then an argument could be made, but the team hasn’t been one and done with a coordinator since Ray Sherman in 1998. For reference, this was well before any of the current staff was a part of this organization.

Firing Canada isn’t a part of the “Steelers’ way”

Like it or not, this team is a proud, and sometimes stubborn, franchise. They are slow to admit mistakes and will keep players or coaches far past where most people and even teams would keep them. Despite numerous bad seasons from both the defense and offense, this team consistently keeps their coordinators for at least two seasons.

Despite the miserable offense this year, Canada will likely get another shot to lead this unit. To his credit, he wasn’t given much to work with. While Canada doesn’t need an athletic marvel of a quarterback, he was dealing with a Ben Roethlisberger that doesn’t fit his mold of a quarterback. Add in the offensive line deficiencies and Canada had to scale back how he normally calls an offense. This doesn’t excuse him by any means, but it may lead to a better output next season with a better put-together offense.

That added with the Steelers’ stubbornness means that Canada will likely stay. The only way I see him leaving is if a team provides him with a new opportunity. A college team may come calling and he could accept a more attractive deal elsewhere. Beyond that, I find it hard to believe that Canada will not be with the organization in 2022.

Despite a mediocre offense and some disappointing game plans, don’t be surprised to see Canada return to the Steelers in 2022. It isn’t their style to move on from coordinators so early in the process. While there is a good argument to fire Canada, like it or not, there is a good chance he is still calling this offense next season.