Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger Possibly Sees Eddie Faulkner As Next Solid OC

The Pittsburgh Steelers have become known for their in-house promotions, which have almost become an annual tradition for the franchise. They rarely look outside to hire new coordinators if current assistant coaches have already been on the coaching staff for some time. Most recently, Randy Fichtner and the infamous Matt Canada were promoted from within to the offensive coordinator position. As for the defense, Keith Butler and Teryl Austin were both promoted to the defensive coordinator position as well. The last time the Steelers hired someone from outside for one of their open coordinator vacancies was Todd Haley in 2012. Since then, the results have not been promising, and that's putting it nicely. 

Promoting another assistant offensive coach underneath Head Coach Mike Tomlin to oversee all duties regarding the offense, including play-calling, would certainly not sit well at all amongst Steeler Nation. In 2018, Hayley's contract was not renewed after his very unpopular 4th down call versus the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Round. Shortly thereafter, Fichtner was promoted after previously being the quarterbacks coach.

In 2021, he was let go after frustrations grew over his play-calling after a devastating loss to the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card game. Then came the Canada effect, along with his promotion, which somehow ended up far worse than before. There's been a steady decline in the quality of Steelers' offensive coordinators, but apparently, the possibility of it continuing is not to be ruled out according to Steelers' future Hall of Fame quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. 

"Is Sully [Mike Sullivan] or Coach [Eddie] Faulkner gonna be the coordinators moving forward? I could see Coach Tomlin doing Coach Faulk. I think this is kind of like a trial thing. I don't think he would give it to Sully, but I think he would give it to Faulk. I think Sully would be great."

This wouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who follows the Steelers, but it also would create a great lack of trust in Tomlin's ability to right his wrongs of the past. Just this year, Pittsburgh ranks near the bottom, being one of the worst teams on offense in about every major category, something that wasn't going to change with or without Canada calling plays. As of right now, Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan aren't instilling much confidence in the fan base after back-to-back ugly losses to the lowly Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots. 

It's difficult to envision how an offense under two current interims emulating previous similar results would be any better in 2024, but that seems to be the Tomlin special: continuity over capability. Sticking with familiarity is the preferred route to go for the long-tenured man in charge, who has been at the helm since 2007. All that aside, the Steelers are long overdue for an offensive coordinator who brings an entirely fresh set of schemes, route concepts, and playbooks into the facility. 

How likely is it that they look outside of the organization? Well, one can only hope Steelers brass will not repeat the same old habits and turn a new leaf for once, but we've come to a point where actual change may have to occur to save Tomlin's job longer term. 

Who Could The Steelers Hire As Offensive Coordinator?

Options are numerous, and in the modern era of the NFL where high-scoring offenses are the difference between contender and pretender, it's critical to nail this hire. Tomlin is largely known for his defensively-minded emphasis on the game itself, but it has now become clear he is well out of step with the current times on offense. 

Simply playing not to lose and hoping turnovers somehow don't come biting you in the rear end is not a recipe for success if you're a head coach who desires to be one of the best. Roethlisberger touched on the idea of candidates such as former Steelers QB Byron Leftwich, continuing his train of thought.

"It's a possibility. I know it's not what Tomlin does. He doesn't like to go get young, good coaches. Byron Leftwich would be great. But I think he might try and stay with Faulk unless Mr. Rooney steps in."

Reading between the lines, thoughts such as these coming from your former franchise player under center will only make Steelers fans' blood boil even more. It won't look good on a very iconic and well-respected team to stay the course and keep doing the same thing over and over again, expecting a different outcome. 

Do you think the Steelers will hire someone outside again? If so, who are the candidates high on your list? Share it in the comments below!

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