Steelers new offensive coach Glenn Thomas could help save Matt Canada's job

Much of the Pittsburgh Steelers fan base was distraught when the team announced that Matt Canada would be returning for a third season as the offensive coordinator. After moving on from an aging quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger, fans were hopeful that things would look much better on offense in 2022. Sadly, Pittsburgh regressed even further.

Last season, Canada's offense averaged a dismal 18.1 points per game. Several of these dud showings on offense contributed to a brutal 2-6 start to the sesaon prior to the bye week. Though the Steelers offense had some comeback wins late in the season, most thought that Canada would be out the door anyway.

Immediately after the decision was made to keep the underwhelming offensive coordinator around for another year, I was begging for Pittsburgh to go out and sign a passing game coordinator who could help him get a little more creative on offense. While it's not exactly what I envisioned, it seems the Steelers have finally made a move that could potentially help save Canada's job in 2023.

Steelers hire offensive coach Glenn Thomas

Recently, Teresa Varley of Steelers.com reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers have hired Glenn Thomas to be their offensive assistant coach. I've got to be honest, I didn't know much about Thomas prior to this news, but I'm glad the team is getting serious about their offense.

Thomas started his professional coaching career as an offensive assistant with the Atlanta Falcons back in 2008 to 2011. In 2012, he was promoted to quarterback coach -- a job he would retain until the end of the 2014 sesaon.

From there, Thomas made his way to the college stage as a QB coach and eventually an offensive coordinator for Temple. During this span, the Owls saw their best two seasons they have seen dating all the way back to 1979 -- going 10-4 twice in a row.

After his stint with Temple, Thomas was hired as the co-offensive coordinator and QB coach for Baylor from 2017-2019, where the team made a remarkable transition from a 1-11 team to an 11-3 by the end of his tenure.

In 2020, Thomas joined UNLV as the offensive coordinator and quarterback coach where his luck finally ran out. The Rebels had a record of just 2-16 during this span. Thomas' most recent job was as Arizona State's offensive coordinator and quarterback coach in 2022 where his team finished just 3-9 while working with head coach Herm Edwards.

Thomas' extensive history in multiple offensives should help bring something new to the table for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has had both success and failures during his coaching career, but having another mind in the room might help add a few wrinkles to an offense that lacks creativity -- perhaps enough to save Matt Canada's job and reputation. It will be interesting to see how much input he will have.