Just a few weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers announced they wouldn't be making any changes to their offensive coaching staff. That meant that Matt Canada would return for his third season as the team's offensive coordinator. That don't mean that Canada doesn't need some assistance. Specifically, a lot of assistance if possible. And with assistant head coach Jonh Mitchell announcing his retirement today, that means the Steelers have an opening in a very important role.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
With that being said, it's impossible not to dream about this possible scenario. Eric Bieniemy has been offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs for five seasons now. On Sunday, he helped the Chiefs to their second ring in his tenure, as Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense continue to torch defenses. After the game though, rumors swirled that Bieniemy may be open to taking an offensive coordinator job elsewhere. Head coach, Andy Reid was the main reason for that, as he had this to say after the big game:
"Eric Bieniemy has been tremendous for us, and I think he's tremendous for the National Football League. I'm hoping he has an opportunity to go somewhere and do his thing, where he can run the show and be Eric Bieniemy," Reid said to the media via NFL.com.
Why would he leave Mahomes and the Chiefs for what seems to be a lateral move? Well, while Bieniemy is the offensive coordinator right now, Reid is the one that actually does the play-calling. Reid has been one of the game's best offensive minds for over 20 years now, and it's obviously continuing to work in Kansas City. But for Bieniemy, it's natural for him to want an opportunity to run the show.
Bieniemy wouldn't be afforded the opportunity to become the Steelers offensive coordinator, but instead an offensive senior assistant, along with assistant head coach to Mike Tomlin. On the surface this wouldn't be extremely helpful for Bieniemy, but if Canada and the Steelers offense struggles early you could either fire Canada, or just hand over the play calling duties to him. Regardless, leaving Kanas City is basically starting over for Bieniemy. Doing it under Tomlin and with the Steelers wouldn't be the worst thing he could do.
Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield/SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
For what comes as a shock to many, he's been unable to land a head coaching job anywhere in the NFL for a few years now. That's largely due to the fact that he hasn't been the one running Kansas City's offense. It's not going to happen, but the front office should not be scared to backtrack on their previous decision with Canada if they could land Bieniemy and he would only agree to come as offensive coordinator. While stability with Kenny Pickett is important, a guy like Bieniemy could completely revitalize the offense. No offense to Canada, but he doesn't quite have the resume that Bieniemy does.
Two Super Bowl wins in five seasons as offensive coordinator. Again, this is all a pipe dream. It's more of what the front office should consider doing, as opposed to the actual realistic chance of it taking place. Bieniemy is interviewing for the Washington Commanders' offensive coordinator opening, which shows he is looking for an opportunity elsewhere. It's what he needs to do in order to achieve his eventual goal of becoming a head coach.
The Steelers did it last year with Brian Flores, finding a great coaching talent to add to their staff. Whether it be Bieniemy, Byron Leftwich, or someone else, it's time they do the same on the offensive side of things.
Do you think the front office should go after Kansas City's OC? Who do you want to see added to the coaching staff? Do you have faith in Canada? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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