The Pittsburgh Steelers have made another offseason move, this time adding former Arizona State Offensive Coordinator, Glenn Thomas, as their new offensive assistant coach. Thomas has 20-plus years of coaching experience both in the collegiate ranks as well as the NFL. Most notably, he served as the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback coach from 2012-2014 where he worked extensively with future Hall of Fame quarterback, Matt Ryan.
Credit: Arizona State Athletics
Arizona State Offensive Coordinator, Glenn Thomas
Thomas is well-traveled in coaching college football, where has had numerous stops at places such as Baylor, Temple, UNLV, and most recently, Arizona State. Over the course of his career, Thomas has been mostly well-known for his ability to improve quarterback play. During his stint with the Atlanta Falcons from 2012-2014, he was able to help Matt Ryan achieve some of his best years as a professional. During this three-year stretch, Ryan passed for over 4,500 yards in each season and was twice named a Pro Bowler in both 2012 and 2014.
While Thomas' responsibilities with the Steelers have yet to be determined, it is likely that he will work extensively with the team's quarterback, Kenny Pickett, as well the quarterback coach, Mike Sullivan. Having previous experience as a play-caller will certainly be an added bonus as well, as he may be able to provide assistance to the Steelers' offensive coordinator, Matt Canada in game situations. With Canada desperately needing a solid season as the team's OC in 2023, he may be reliant upon Thomas' experience to help him transform the team's offense in to one of the best in the NFL next season.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Coach Matt Canada at Heinz Field during the Steelers 2020 Training Camp, Thursday, July 30, 2020 in Pittsburgh, PA. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
What Does The Hiring Of Thomas Mean For The Steelers' Coaching Staff In 2023?
The addition of Thomas to the offensive coaching staff only furthers the notion of the team's desire to help Kenny Pickett make a significant leap in 2023. Thomas is widely respected around college football and NFL circles. Herm Edwards, Arizona State's head coach during Thomas' time with the Sun Devils, had this to offer at the time of Thomas' hiring as offensive coordinator in 2022.
“He is known around football circles for his expertise in quarterback play, with quarterback mechanics and getting them to play at their optimum level. His work with Matt Ryan in Atlanta speaks for itself as Matt enjoyed the best years of his career under Glenn. Also, he’s worked with young quarterbacks in college and has made them highly successful," said ASU Head Coach, Edwards regarding the hiring of Glenn Thomas.
Could Glenn Thomas Replace Matt Canada As The Steelers' OC In 2024?
While Matt Canada will have the 2023 season as an opportunity to prove his worthwhile as the team's play-caller, many fans are beginning to lose their patience with him. If the Steelers' offense fails to improve vastly next season, it is nearly a sure thing that they will be looking elsewhere for a new offensive coordinator.
Could Glenn Thomas be the answer? Difficult to answer, at this time. However, his experience in calling plays combined with his ability to draw the best out of quarterbacks he coaches, certainly makes him an intriguing candidate. If Thomas can find a way to build a strong relationship with Pickett, it may be only a matter of time before he is the one tasked with leading the Steelers' offense in future seasons.
Credit: Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (8).
Final Thoughts
The addition of Thomas to the Steelers' coaching staff is a step in the right direction for the the team's offense. He will likely be called upon to help create offensive schemes that will help diversity the Steelers' play calls next season, as the 2022 version of the offense was predictable, failing to call plays that surprised the opposing team's defense. Thomas will have the opportunity to work his quarterback magic once again, this time with an ascending star in Kenny Pickett. Allow us at Steeler Nation to be the first to welcome you to Pittsburgh, Glenn!
Alright, yinz. What are your thoughts on the hiring of Thomas to the coaching staff? Do you view him as a legitimate contender for the Steelers' OC in 2024? How do you think Thomas will impact the play of Kenny Pickett next season? Let us know in the comments!
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