The Pittsburgh Steelers have had a wild start to their 2023 season, but somehow, someway, the organization sits atop the AFC North with a record of 3-2. Mike Tomlin and his squad has only scored 79 total points in five games with the defense and special teams units being responsible for 16 of them. Many thought Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada wouldn't make it through the bye, but it appears as if no changes are going to be made and the play-caller will likely finish out the rest of his contract.
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Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator and backup quarterback, Mason Rudolph (#2) work together during a 2021 training camp practice at then-Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, PA.
The biggest negative of keeping Canada around for the remainder of the 2023 season isn't that the offense could continue to sputter. It's that Tomlin, who loves to reward and promote from within, will have no clue what quarterbacks coach, Mike Sullivan or offensive assistant, Glenn Thomas could bring to the table as a play-caller in 2024.
It might be time to look outside of the organization for a change, however. There could be some very big names looking for jobs and the Steelers would be foolish not to take a hard look at a few individuals who are currently head coaches in the NFL. There are three in particular that may not be retained in 2024 if their teams continue to struggle.
Steelers' 3 Potential Options At Offensive Coordinator In 2024 Who Are Currently Head Coaches
1.) Kevin O'Connell - Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings had an incredible 2022 season and finished with a 13-4 record in the regular season. Most of their games were extremely competitive and they were 11-0 in one-score contests. The hype turned into disappointment after O'Connell and co. lost at home in the playoffs to the New York Giants. Minnesota currently sits at 1-4 in 2023 and it might not get any better with star receiver, Justin Jefferson landing on Injured Reserve with a hamstring injury.
It could be a bit premature to get rid of O'Connell, but after a brutal home playoff loss in his first season and a horrible start to 2023, anything is on the table. Pittsburgh could use a brilliant mind who has proven that he can call plays at a high level. As for the next two guys on this list, there's no guarantee that he will be looking for employment, but it's certainly a possibility at this point.
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Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Kevin O'Connell laughs on the sidelines prior to a regular season game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
2.) Mike McCarthy - Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are quite the mystery in 2023. They have had three blowout wins, but the points being scored aren't only because of the offense. The defense has been dominant. The two losses are head-scratchers with one coming at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals and the other being an awful 42-10 defeat against the San Francisco 49ers.
McCarthy grew up a Steelers fan and he might be much more effective as strictly a play-caller rather than a head coach. Jerry Jones might get restless if Dallas is unable to win a playoff game in 2023, and right now, a spot in the postseason isn't guaranteed as the Cowboys are currently the seventh seed in the NFC. Tomlin has to reach out to McCarthy if Jones decides to move on from him after 2023.
3.) Josh McDaniels - Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders fell to the Steelers in what was Pittsburgh's best (using that term loosely) offensive performance of the season. Las Vegas owner, Mark Davis appears to be loyal to McDaniels, but with a 6-11 record in 2022 and a 2-3 start to 2023, he might have no choice but to go in a different direction if the struggles continue. McDaniels is well-known for working with Tom Brady for well over a decade in the 21st century.
Las Vegas came up with a big win on Monday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers, but a very tough schedule awaits them for the rest of the year. A six or seven-win season is very much in the realm of possibility. The question then becomes if Davis will give up on McDaniels after two seasons. McDaniels might be the perfect guy to work alongside Kenny Pickett.
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Pittsburgh Steelers second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) warms up prior to a 2023 training camp practice under the lights in Latrobe, PA.
Honorable Mention - Frank Reich - Carolina Panthers
Reich is known as a quarterback whisperer and it's hard to believe that the Panthers will move on from him after just one season in Carolina. Bryce Young is not thriving to start his career and the team is winless through five weeks. Even if they continue to lose games, a mix up with Young's coaching staff heading into his second season would be a recipe for disaster.
It's possible that all of these guys are looking for jobs. It also wouldn't be shocking if their respective teams give them one more year to prove their worth. Overall, Steelers fans are most likely stuck with Canada for the remainder of 2023. If he is not rewarded with a new contract in 2024 and some of the above, bright offensive-minded coaches are available, Tomlin needs to go outside of the organization for once to turn the ship around in Pittsburgh. Fans should keep an eye on these interesting situations outside of Pittsburgh as the season progresses.
Which of the following coaches would you want on the sidelines calling plays for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!
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