Most fans are focused on who will be the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the team faces other key decisions. There will be an entire coaching staff to hire once they fill their head coaching vacancy. They have interviewed nine coaches so far, with a series of in-person meetings scheduled for this week. It could lead to some interesting theatre.
While Pittsburgh hopes to complete the process quickly, it might still be a lengthy one. With some of their top targets, Chris Shula and Nate Scheelhaase, still in the playoffs with the Los Angeles Rams, it could get tricky. Instead, the Steelers must keep moving forward with some of their other top choices. Brian Flores, a highly regarded candidate, has secured an in-person interview.
According to a new rumor, the Steelers might be prepared to hire a new offensive coordinator if Flores becomes their next head coach.
Zachary Smith of Steelers Now claims that former Steelers receiver Antwaan Randle El could be the team’s next offensive play caller, if Flores is indeed hired as HC. It would be an intriguing choice, as Flores is a defensive-minded coach who would lean heavily on Randle El as a first-time offensive coordinator.
Brian Flores might have Antwaan Randle El as his offensive coordinator if he joins the Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh knows Randle El well, and it makes sense for him to get some looks as an offensive coordinator. No matter where he has gone, Randle El has seen the offenses he's helped coach become strong units. He spent 2021 to 2024 with the Detroit Lions as their receivers coach before joining the Chicago Bears last year as assistant head coach and receivers coach.
Flores remains a top option for the Steelers, but whether he becomes head coach or not, Randle El should continue to be considered for numerous offensive coordinator openings across the NFL.
He may not have experience calling plays, but he has worked alongside many skilled offensive minds. Lions head coach Dan Campbell and Bears head coach Ben Johnson are some of the best in the business.
READ MORE: Steelers fans have every reason to fear this newly available coach
The Steelers would be welcoming their former receiver back to the franchise after he was released by the team in 2011, which eventually led to his retirement. He enjoyed a solid career with the franchise, playing from 2002 to 2005 and returning for the 2010 season. His time as a player was never elite, but his cumulative experience could get fans excited as a coach.
This rumor should intrigue Steelers Nation as it could finally shove the team into a new era.
The coaches surrounding Campbell and Johnson have shown themselves to be talented assistants with innovative ideas that often develop into successful offensive coordinators. If Flores does become the next head coach in Pittsburgh, don't be shocked if Randle El becomes a top target to replace Arthur Smith as the next OC.