The Pittsburgh Steelers are somehow 4-2 through the first six games of 2023 thanks to several dominant performances from the defense. The offense has yet to truly find its stride and many expected the team to make a change at offensive coordinator during the Week 6 bye week. The fans' wishes were not granted, however, and Matt Canada will remain the offensive play-caller barring something crazy occurring in the final 11 games of the season. Kenny Pickett looked solid in a Week 7 victory over the Los Angeles Rams, but his group still is lightyears away from being considered one of the best in the NFL.
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Steelers quarterback, Kenny Pickett (#8) talks with his quarterbacks coach, Mike Sullivan during a 2022 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Canada's contract is up after the 2023 season and it's hard to imagine any scenario that finds him back in Pittsburgh in 2024. The Steelers have consistently been ranked in the bottom half of the league in major offensive categories since he was promoted in 2021. It hasn't been a fun unit for fans to watch for nearly three seasons and change is likely necessary at season's end.
Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is a well-respected and long-term Steelers insider. He hosts weekly chats with fans and answers questions regarding the team. A colleague of his, Brian Batko, recently wrote in one of his own chats that there might be a path for Canada to be extended after the 2023 season.
Dulac doesn't have the same mindset. A fan asked how many points per game Pittsburgh needs to average over their final 11 regular season games for him to be welcomed back and Dulac's response was simple, but quite funny.
"432."
Even if that were total points scored, it's still asking the offense to put up nearly 39 points per game the rest of the way. Simply put, there is no way that Canada will be back as the team's play-caller in 2024 according to Dulac.
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Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada walks on the field at Acrisure Stadium prior to a 2022 preseason practice in Pittsburgh, PA.
Dulac is known to be a bit sarcastic in these chats, but when he is, typically he adds a little more context to catch his sarcasm. It's already widely-expected that Canada won't be back in 2024, but the insider is a little more 'in the know' when it comes to what's going on inside the organization. It seems as if even a nice playoff run won't be able to save Canada's job.
Steelers Have Both Internal And External Options To Replace Canada
The Steelers currently have quarterbacks coach, Mike Sullivan and offensive assistant, Glenn Thomas who could potentially be in line for a promotion in 2024. That's the same old song and dance for Tomlin, however. Promoting from within is one of his consistent actions when it comes to his coaching staff, but it might be time to look externally for someone like Byron Leftwich.
Pittsburgh has weapons all over the offensive side of the ball. When healthy, a group with Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Calvin Austin III, Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren could be absurdly dynamic. Pickett has all the weapons at his disposal to develop into one of the top signal-callers in the league, but for that to happen, a different guy in the booth, or on the sidelines, calling the plays might be necessary.
There is still a ton of football to be played for the remainder of the 2023 NFL season. Steelers fans are happy with the 4-2 start, but seem to already be counting down the days until Canada no longer calls the plays in Pittsburgh. At this point, he might just be auditioning for another team to latch onto if he doesn't receive an extension.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada during a 2022 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Do you think there is any way that Canada can keep his job in Pittsburgh after 2023? What would he have to do the final 11 regular season games to earn an extension? Let us know in the comments below!
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