Where should the Steelers go for a new offensive coordinator?
Surprise! Within the structure, there is a feasible alternative worth investigating.
For the past year, fans have been pleading with the Pittsburgh Steelers to dismiss offensive coordinator Matt Canada. On Monday night, they practically called for it, with cries of “Fire Canada!” reverberating around Acrisure Stadium despite the Steelers leading the Browns in an AFC North-style matchup.
When considering leaving Canada, the most pressing concern is, “But who would succeed him?”
Surprisingly, the solution may be found inside the structure.
Who could take over as offensive coordinator if the Steelers fired Matt Canada?
One of the most serious arguments against dismissing Canada in the middle of the season has been the difficulty of hiring the team’s next offensive coordinator. After all, there isn’t much left, given that the majority of individuals deemed worthy of a job already have one. That’s why the Steelers may — and should — look within, as their next offensive coordinator may be closer than you think.
Perhaps the club should select current Steelers quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan as their next offensive coordinator. Sullivan’s NFL experience extends back to the 2002 season, when he joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as a defensive quality control coach. The next season, as an offensive assistant, he shifted to coaching the offensive side of the ball and never looked back.
Sullivan is in his third season as the Steelers’ quarterbacks coach, having been hired in 2021 to replace — you guessed it! — Matt Canada, who had just been moved from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator following the firing of Randy Fichtner. He has four seasons of prior offensive coordinator experience, including two seasons with the Buccaneers.
According to Steelers.com, QB Eli Manning had success under Sullivan, earning his sixth 4,000-yard season in 2016, while WR Odell Beckham Jr. had a career-high 101 catches for 1,367 yards and 10 touchdowns.
If the Steelers decide to part ways with Canada, it makes sense to search for someone who is experienced enough with the scheme to avoid a complete makeover midseason. It’s also beneficial to have someone in the mix who has been tutoring second-year QB Kenny Pickett since he was selected last season — someone who has closely followed his progress, understands his skills, and, more significantly, knows his limitations and is ready to game plan to minimize them.
If the Steelers fire their offensive coordinator in the midst of the season, there is no suitable replacement. It does, however, allow them to get a head start on the hunt next year. After all, there will undoubtedly be offensive coordinators fired by other teams this offseason — teams that are likely to be faster on the trigger in deciding to move on (and who to move on to) than the Steelers can be expected to be based on prior performance.
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