Steelers potential shortlist to replace Matt Canada as offensive Coordinator

Steelers could replace Matt Canada with Mark Whipple

Perhaps a bit of a stretch, however, not to the degree it may sound. Whipple does have a tenured history of coaching in the NFL for several NFL teams, including the Steelers, and was Pitt’s offensive coordinator with Kenny Pickett.

Whipple was the Steelers quarterback coach under Bill Cowher from 2004-2006. He helped develop Ben Roethlisberger as a rookie. Later he was Cleveland’s quarterback coach from 2011-2012. As an offensive assistant, he also coached under Andy Ried for the Eagles in 2008.

Following his stint in the NFL, he went to Pitt University and was the offensive coordinator from 2019-2021. As offensive coordinator, he helped develop Kenny Pickett. On the surface, this would sound like a rational choice to have on your shortlist.

That said, Mike Tomlin chose to let Whipple go when he became Head Coach in 2007. Hence a larger question looms if Whipple does make the Steelers shortlist. Would Tomlin bring back a coach he let go? More than likely, Tomlin wanted to build his own team in 2007, so the decision to let Whipple go is understandable. Nonetheless, it’s no secret that running off decent coaches has been a criticism of Tomlin, true or not.

If Whipple makes the shortlist in 2023, it could be an instance of the Rooney’s. Otherwise, it’s hard to see him come back, regardless if it’s a choice that makes sense.