Steelers Can't Miss On Next Offensive Coordinator: 5 Strong Replacements For Matt Canada

The Pittsburgh Steelers made an uncharacteristic in-season move when Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada was fired. The first game without him was the first time since 2020 the franchise's offense was able to put up over 400 total yards, but it appears that was a fluke. In back-to-back games against the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots, the unit flopped and a rather serious ankle injury that Kenny Pickett suffered didn't do the group any favors. It's unlikely that Eddie Faulkner or Mike Sullivan transition to be the guy in 2024, leading to speculation of who will take command of the offense in Pickett's third season.

It's fair to note that everything could be on the table in 2024. If the Steelers lose out and finish at 7-10, no one can rule out Art Rooney II deciding that it's time to move on from Head Coach Mike Tomlin, too. However, he has one year left on his contract and if fans are being realistic with their expectations, he will most likely be on the sideline in 2024 unless he decides that he doesn't want to be.

Assuming Tomlin stays in the Steel City, the fan base has to be realistic also about who the new play-caller will be. An in-house promotion is unlikely for the first time in what seems like forever because Faulkner and Sullivan's auditions haven't gone well. Promoting offensive assistant Glenn Thomas would be a shocking move, so that leaves a list of names that could be in the running. Knowing Tomlin, it's very unlikely that it's a former head coach.

1.) Klint Kubiak, San Francisco 49ers

Klint Kubiak's name has been thrown around a lot in 2023. He is one of the mastermind's behind a dominant San Francisco 49ers' offense. He has NFL lineage due to his father, Gary Kubiak. He is the 49ers' offensive passing game specialist and has been a main reason why Brock Purdy is blossoming into being a superstar. He has worked with several of the league's top quarterbacks.

Pittsburgh is in desperate need of a change in offensive philosophy. The organization unfortunately has no real idea what they have in Pickett because of how he has been hindered since being drafted in 2022. Tomlin and co. have to swing for the fences with this hire and Klint is a name that should be at the top of every Steelers fan's wish list.

2.) Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys

While Brian Schottenheimer is currently listed as the Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator, any astute fan knows that Head Coach Mike McCarthy is fully in charge of the offense. Schottenheimer is only in his second season overall with Dallas, but after how dominant the team's unit looks, he could be lured out of the NFC East if a team decides to give him full rein.

The 50-year old is the son of long-time NFL coach, Marty Schottenheimer. Brian has over 20 years of experience and while leaving Dallas for Pittsburgh may not be the most attractive option, it could be alluring if he is in full control and gets to use his own schemes. It has worked for Eric Bieniemy with the Washington Commanders. Since 2018, he's only been a staff member on a team that won less than 10 games one time.

3.) Dan Pitcher, Cincinnati Bengals

Many Steelers fans may not be familiar with the name Dan Pitcher. He is the quarterbacks coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. It's easy to look good with Joe Burrow as your signal-caller, but he is starting to look like a genius based on the way Jake Browning has played filling in for Burrow. He has held the same position with Cincinnati since 2020 and has been with the organization for eight years.

At some point, a guy like Pitcher is going to get an opportunity and Pittsburgh would be wise to at least consider him. He has been around a well-coached Bengals team and while he's not the sexiest of names, is an under-the-radar candidate that would align with exactly how Tomlin likes to hire when it's outside of the organization. Fans would just have to hope Pitcher wasn't a failure like so many others.

4.) Darrell Bevell, Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have proven to be a hot-and-cold team in 2023, but Tua Tagovailoa has been putting up awesome numbers. A lot of that has to do with Tyreek Hill running around, but their offensive staff deserves a ton of credit. They did find a way to put 70 points on the scoreboard in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos. Darrell Bevell is the team's passing game coordinator and has a ton of experience.

He was the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks from 2011 to 2017 and has experience calling two different Super Bowls. Sure, he may or may not have been behind passing the ball on the goal line instead of handing it off to Marshawn Lynch, but the fact of the matter is, he has a ton of experience, doesn't seem to desire a head coaching position, and would bring a Mike McDaniel mindset to the Steelers' offensive coaching staff.

5.) Byron Leftwich

Byron Leftwich may make the most sense, especially if Tomlin is doing the hiring. Leftwich is familiar with the Steelers organization and isn't the type of guy that would affect the immense amount of power that Tomlin has within the organization. He has a Super Bowl pedigree and worked with former Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator, Bruce Arians, during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Steelers Can't Mess Up 2024 Offensive Coordinator Search

There will be big names tossed around like Frank Reich, Josh McDaniels, Kliff Kingsbury, among many others, but the harsh reality is that Tomlin has almost never hired a big name like that during his tenure. Realistically, if he goes outside of the organization, it won't necessarily be a household name. This potential upcoming hire feels different, as it could be the last one Tomlin makes in Pittsburgh if he screws it up.

What does your wish list look like when it comes to the Steelers' 2024 offensive coordinator? Let us know in the comments below!

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