The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the dismissal of Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada on Tuesday morning, leaving Steeler Nation buzzing with euphoria.
Matt Freed / AP Photo
Steelers OC Matt Canada called plays from the sideline for the first time on Thursday night against the Tennessee Titans.
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin put out a statement on social media to shed light on the decision and express gratitude for Canada's contributions.
"Matt Canada has been relieved of his duties as offensive coordinator. I appreciate Matt's hard work and dedication, and I wish him the best moving forward in his career."
Steelers Move on from Canada after Almost Three Years
Canada had been at the helm of the Steelers' offensive strategy since 2021, a tenure that witnessed mostly negative reactions from fans. Despite securing a 6-4 record under Canada's guidance in 2023, Pittsburgh found itself grappling with concerning statistics.
The team maintained abysmal point differential of -29 and consistently faced being outgained in each game throughout the 2023 season. Key offensive metrics placed the Steelers at the 28th position in points per game (16.6), 28th in offensive yards per game (280.1), and 31st in passing yards per game (170) for the current season.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada next to quarterback Kenny Pickett in Canada's first game calling plays from the sideline.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett, a 25-year-old second year talent, faced his share of struggles under Canada's offensive scheme. Pickett currently holds the 25th spot in the NFL for passing yards (1,722) and the 28th spot in QBR (35.7), further highlighting the challenges the Steelers' offense encountered.
Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan Stepping In
No official announcement, but my understanding is the #Steelers are expected to have RB coach Eddie Faulkner take over as OC, with QB coach Mike Sullivan handling play-calling duties.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 21, 2023
Amidst the shake-up, Tom Pelissero reported a transitional plan for the Steelers. Running back coach Eddie Faulkner is expected to take over as the interim offensive coordinator, while quarterback coach Mike Sullivan assumes the crucial play-calling duties.
“No official announcement, but my understanding is the #Steelers are expected to have RB coach Eddie Faulkner take over as OC, with QB coach Mike Sullivan handling play-calling duties,” Pelissero shared on social media.
Faulkner brings a wealth of experience to the interim role, having served as an offensive coordinator at Ball State in 2009 and 2010. Additionally, he briefly held the position of Ball State's interim head coach during the latter part of the 2010 season. As the Steelers' running backs coach since 2019, Faulkner's familiarity with the team and offensive dynamics positions him well for this new challenge. The move represents an opportunity for Faulkner to showcase his strategic acumen and potentially influence the team's playoff trajectory.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter / X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
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.
Sullivan, who assumed the role of Steelers quarterbacks coach in 2021, played a pivotal role in mentoring Pickett over the past two seasons. The respected coach, with previous stints as an offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012-2013) and the New York Giants (2016-2017), will now take charge of orchestrating the Steelers' offensive play calls. Sullivan's prior experience and rapport with Pickett make him a key figure in this transition.
Pickett and the Steelers Look Ahead
With this abrupt shake-up, the Steelers are poised for a fresh start under the interim leadership of Faulkner and Sullivan. The changes signal a renewed approach and a chance for Pickett and the offense to reset their trajectory. As Faulkner takes on the responsibilities of an offensive coordinator and Sullivan steps into the role of play-caller, the Steelers face a critical juncture in their 2023 season.
As the team navigates this transition, the focus will be on evaluating the impact of the coaching changes on Pickett's performance and the overall effectiveness of the offensive unit. The move also positions Faulkner as a potential candidate for the permanent offensive coordinator role, adding an element of intrigue to the Steelers' future coaching decisions. Steelers fans will also get a true chance to evaluate Pickett under a different offensive coordinator.
An Unanticipated Shift in Steelers' Offensive Landscape
The abrupt firing of Canada has injected a sense of optimism and anticipation into the Steelers' season. As the team strives to recalibrate its offensive approach, the contributions of Faulkner and Sullivan will be closely scrutinized. Whether this unexpected change sparks a revival in the Steelers' playoff aspirations remains to be seen, but the organization has signaled its commitment to adaptability in the face of challenges. The coming weeks will undoubtedly provide answers to the questions surrounding the Steelers' offensive identity and the impact of this coaching transition on the team's performance.
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