You probably know by now that the Pittsburgh Steelers have officially elected to keep Matt Canada as their offensive coordinator for 2023. The offense got better as the season wore on, giving room to keep Canada for his third season. Additionally, quarterback Kenny Pickett's development is the most important part of the franchise, so keeping Canada provides some stability during that growth process.
Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett heads into his second season with Matt Canada as the offensive coordinator again. Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Now, fans weren't exactly thrilled with the news. Many had called for his job all season long, as the Steelers offense ranked in the bottom-10 of the NFL in nearly every major statistical category. One name that was thrown out there as a possible replacement for Canada was Byron Leftwich. Just a year ago, Leftwich was an up-and-coming name in the coaching market.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense struggled mightily this season, leaving the former NFL quarterback to be fired after losing in the opening round of the postseason. Leftwich may have a shot at another offensive coordinator position, but if he doesn't, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic still thinks he could find his way back to Pittsburgh. When asked if the former Bucs OC could become the Steelers' passing game coordinator in 2023, Kaboly responded with this:
"I think there is a legitimate chance. Leftwich played here, Tomlin loves him and Canada is in the final year of his contract," Kaboly said in his mailbag. "A coordinator-in-waiting on the staff seems to be what Tomlin likes with Teryl Austin and Canada hired and eventually being promoted."
Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada on the field at a practice during 2022 training camp. Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Now in this scenario, Kaboly thinks Leftwich would then have the chance to become the offensive coordinator in 2024 if the team didn't hold onto Canada. Canada's contract only runs through 2023, so they effectively could just let him walk like they've done with past coordinators. If they can get Leftwich for a role like the passing game coordinator, it would be immense value.
It would be similar to getting Brian Flores as their linebackers coach, a guy who has more value than the role they're in. It would also allow the Steelers to give Canada a short leash next season. If he struggles in the first month or two, you could fire him and promote the former quarterback to the play-calling duties. In theory, it's not a bad idea, but it may be an unrealistic one.
Despite the connections between the two sides, including the fact that Leftwich played backup QB for the Steelers in two different stints, he will likely get an OC job somewhere. As mentioned before, he was one of the hottest names on the market just a year ago. While he didn't do a good job by any means, an aging Tom Brady and an injury-filled offensive unit was a recipe for disaster in 2022.
Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
Should the Steelers seriously consider this move? Do you think Leftwich gets an OC job somewhere this off-season? How short should the leash be for Canada in 2023? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, as well as on our social media sites!
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