The Steelers have had a lacking offense this season, and here are four potential offensive coordinators the team should target in the offseason.
Steelers fans seemingly argue about a lot of things, but one thing every fan seems to agree upon is that Matt Canada sucks. While I was all for giving him a second season with an offense more schemed around him as opposed to Ben Roethlisberger, he has disappointed. The team has been miserable when trying to move the ball, and a primary reason for that has been the poor play design and schemes.
While it isn’t definite that he gets fired this offseason, there is little excuse to keep him around. Kenny Pickett needs an offensive coordinator that can help him develop, and Canada has shown little promise that he can do that. Pittsburgh is lacking in-house options as well, and they should really look for an innovative face to help reconstruct this offense. Here are four prime offensive coordinators the Steelers should target in 2023.
The Steelers should welcome back an old face
Steelers fans all have fond memories of Antwaan Randle El. He was a fun gadget player while with the team and a dependable receiver down the stretch. He has moved not coaching recently, serving as an assistant with the Buccaneers before joining the Lions as their receiver’s coach. In only two seasons there, he has seen some promising results.
Amon-Ra St. Brown has blossomed into a great threat and the Lions passing game as a whole has been effective. Despite most expecting them to be bottom dwellers, Detroit has fielded a great offense which has kept them in the playoff hunt. The Steelers could use some explosiveness in their offense, and Randle El could be just the coach to help bring that back.
The Steelers could look to a QB guru
The primary focus of the Steelers this offseason has to be developing Pickett. Finding the right coach is the correct first step, as they can help him see the field better and play better. Quarterback gurus are becoming a trendy coaching target, as positional coaches that have had success with other quarterbacks have become hot commodities in the NFL.
Brian Johnson seems to be another example of a quarterback-based coach generating some buzz. He has turned Jalen Hurts into a top quarterback in the league, and more than just a running quarterback. Under Johnson’s guidance, Hurts has become a more dependable passer who isn’t as mistake-prone as he was in seasons prior. Add in his scrambling ability and Hurts has become a top quarterback in this league.
While Pickett is far from the same player that Hurts is, Johnson could seemingly aid him in a similar way. Pickett has forced a lot of passes and has some ugly interceptions. Getting a system in place that worked for Hurts could help develop Pickett into a better quarterback even if he lacks the scrambling ability that Hurts has. The main issue with this hire is that Johnson has had some rumors of head coaching jobs, so he will likely be a hot name to watch in coaching circles this offseason.
Steelers could opt for a more established coach
The 49ers have one of the most efficient offenses in the league. No matter the quarterback at the helm, their run schemes, and passing packages keep their offense in contention for one of the better ones in the league. While he has only been around for one season in his current role, Bobby Slowik should be a top contender for offensive coordinator spots in the offseason.
Slowik gets the most out of his top players, even if they don’t fit in a traditional offense. Under Slowik, Deebo Samuel had a breakout year, compiling over 1400 receiving yards. Add in his impressive usage on the ground as a hybrid player and Samuel went from a fine receiver to the ultimate weapon.
Even more conventional players like Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk have seen their production jump with Slowik at the helm. He is an innovative coach who already has ten years’ worth of experience as a coach. That combination and his ability to get a lot out of his quarterback play would make him a good fit with the Steelers.
Steelers could bring back a less-heralded player
Another former Steelers player who is also a member of the Lions coaching staff, Duce Staley didn’t have as fondly remembered of a playing career that Randle El had, but he has become a great coach. He joined the Philadelphia’s staff in 2010 and helped that group become one of the league’s best rushing units.
He joined the Lions in 2021 and has found similar success as a coach. When healthy, D’Andre Swift has been an electric runner. He has also helped Jamaal Williams take his game to the next level. He has become a great short-yardage back and power runner, which has led to an astounding 14 rushing touchdowns this season.
While not a passing or quarterback expert, Staley could help Najee Harris become a better back than he has been so far in his career. A more grounded rushing game would also open things up in the passing game as well. He has ties to the city and has a strong track record as a coach. Staley makes a lot of sense as a potential offensive coordinator target in 2023.
The Steelers offense has been a disaster this season, and a lot of blame has rightfully been placed on Canada. Assuming he is relieved of his duties this offseason, the team needs an exciting hire to come in and take over. These four candidates make the most sense for an offense that needs some creativity added to its pallet.