The Steelers will be searching for a new offensive coordinator in the near future and some of these external candidates should get some interest.
Matt Canada is a disaster and cannot be the offensive coordinator for the Steelers much longer. He has had more than enough time to show that he is drowning in the deep end of the pool. A replacement will need to be found and perhaps an external option would be the best choice to fix things going forward.
Finding internal replacements is something that Mike Tomlin likes to do instead of seeking people outside. Mike Sullivan could make a lot of sense if they do go the internal route, but that seems like a better option just for the remainder of this season. Finding some quality offensive-minded coaches could benefit Kenny Pickett and this offense.
Duce Staley is an up and coming coach with history with the team
Duce Staley would make a lot of sense as the connection between the person and organization is there. He was a backup running back to Jerome Bettis during the Super Bowl 40 season and that could give him some interest moving here. Currently, Staley has a nice gig with the Detroit Lions as he serves as their assistant head coach and running backs coach as well. Becoming an offensive coordinator seems like the next step for him before becoming a Head Coach in the NFL.
Jason Garrett would provide experience to an offense that needs direction
This next outside option to replace Canada might cause some fans of the Steelers to roll their eyes. He was not the most successful offensive coordinator during his most recent coaching stint with the New York Giants, but that staff was led by one of the worst Head Coaches in the NFL.
The biggest asset that Garrett brings with him is experience, both as an offensive coordinator and previous Head Coach. He would be able to help coach up Pickett with all the types of quarterbacks that he has prior experience developing.
Byron Leftwich could be a surprise candidate if the Bucs clean house
Here is the shocking name on this list as many will probably keep him on Head Coaching shortlists. Tampa Bay is currently under scorching flames as their offense continues to dissipate into darkness. One should wonder if the team misses the playoffs, the entire coaching staff could be gutted. That could leave the door open for Byron Leftwich to return to Pittsburgh as the offensive coordinator and regain his standing in the NFL before he becomes a Head Coach.
Jim Caldwell could be a win-win for both himself and the Steelers
He would be the oldest candidate on this list to be hired by Tomlin to take the reins of the Steelers offense. Jim Caldwell has been out of the NFL coaching ranks for nearly three years. He has a ton of experience in coaching during his long tenure in the NFL. He would be able to join Pittsburgh and get his name back in the world of the NFL while having a shot to redeem this brittle offense. If he could accomplish that, his odds of regaining a position as a Head Coach would skyrocket further.
Pep Hamilton is another coach that could be looking for a new job soon
Many have held Pep Hamilton in high regard since he has worked his way through a curvy road to his current position in the NFL. He holds the offensive coordinator job for the Houston Texans, but things are turning south for that team.
Hamilton does not have a ton to work with in Houston and that could lead to that coaching staff looking for new positions come spring. He has done a nice job with the talent that he has been provided and should get a better chance with the Steelers if he becomes available.
The Steelers will have to hire a new offensive coordinator sometime in the near future no matter if that is tomorrow or after the season. These external candidates would go against would Mike Tomlin prefers, but they should get some interest.