The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator, Matt Canada has not been aggressive or necessarily effective during his two seasons calling plays for the offense since being promoted in 2021. The team finished the 2022 campaign with a 7-2 record mainly in part due to defensive play, but a couple of game-winning drives down the stretch were also instrumental in a near-playoff berth.
Regardless of Canada's opinion on coaching reinforcements, the team could (and should) potentially bring in another offensive mind to help take the unit to another level in 2023.
Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada on the field at practice during 2022 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (JSKO_PHOTO TWITTER)
It comes down to the fact that the offense has been in the bottom half of the league, and around the bottom five for Canada's entire tenure. One can't ignore the rushing attack's prominence towards the end of 2022 and the slight improvement in offensive efficiency, but with multiple creative minds on the market, it makes no sense to not bring someone in who can help with the creative aspect.
Tight end, Pat Freiermuth recently said that rookie quarterback did not have hot options in 2022. Despite Kenny Pickett's inexperience, not allowing the playbook to change at the line of scrimmage after seeing a defense's setup is a testament to either Canada's trust in his own coaching and the scheme he had in place.
Steelers rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett at 2022 training camp at St. Vincent’s College. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / Steeler Nation (JSKO_PHOTO TWITTER)
The beginning of the list of potential senior offensive assistants, similar to what the Steelers did on defense with Brian Flores in 2022, begins with a familiar face who played for Tomlin and was in a Super Bowl-winning locker room recently.
1.) Byron Leftwich
This is the obvious one. Leftwich played in competitive contests for Pittsburgh in three different seasons during his career. He was also in the offensive room with great minds such as Bruce Arians and Tom Brady with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There is no reason to deny Leftwich a job if he doesn't garner interest anywhere else.
Senior offensive assistant is almost a made-up position. A team can have someone in the role, but won't necessarily ruin the season if someone isn't given the position. Pittsburgh, however, needs someone to bring new ideas to the room and Leftwich doesn't just have a Super Bowl ring but could be the obvious successor to Canada if things don't go as planned in 2023.
2.) Joe Lombardi
Lombardi was the scapegoat for the Los Angeles Chargers. His former teamed scored 31 points in the NFL playoffs and a poor second-half game plan led to a horrific collapse and an early exit. That doesn't mean he isn't deserving of another job in an NFL locker room.
Chargers offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi watches the players before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. | Photo Credit: Kyusung Gong / Associated Press
Chargers' head coach, Brandon Staley is a young and analytical mind whose ideas could have worn off on Lombardi. Pittsburgh absolutely needs someone who thinks aggressively. Lombardi could be that guy.
3.) Scott Turner
When looking at a potential offensive assistant who has a ton of say, it can't be a guy who has never led an NFL offense before. Turner didn't have the best tenure with Washington but has the experience of putting together a game plan against dominant defenses in the NFC East in 2022. He wouldn't be a bad option to look at if the organization believes help is needed on offense next season.
The bottom line is Canada needs help. He is a college mind stuck in a league he doesn't fully comprehend. It would be foolish for the Steelers to not go after one of the available coaches above. Not only does it provide Pickett with another mentor, but it adds an individual with fresh ideas from outside of the organization to provide a new outlook on how the offense should implement creativity and prepare.
Who are your top choices in regard to boosting the Steelers' offensive coaching staff in 2023? Let us know in the comments below!
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