Steelers' Mike Tomlin Makes Definitive Decision On Where He’s Looking For Next Offensive Coordinator

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 season ended with a disappointing Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills, marking the beginning of the offseason. While many questions loom over the team's future, the first order of business is finding a new offensive coordinator to revamp their struggling offense. The discussion surrounding the Steelers' next quarterback becomes moot unless they secure the right offensive coordinator to lead the way. 

Steelers' History Of Offensive Struggles

In 2023, the Steelers' offense faced significant challenges under Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada. The team consistently ranked among the worst in the league in key offensive metrics. Frustrated with the lackluster performance, the Steelers made the historic decision to part ways with Canada in the middle of the season.

Following Canada's departure, the Steelers handed over offensive coordinator duties to Eddie Faulkner and entrusted Mike Sullivan with play-calling responsibilities. While the offense improved under their guidance, there were still lingering issues and questionable decisions.

During his end-of-season press conference on Thursday, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the team's plans for the offensive coordinator position. Tomlin left no room for ambiguity in his response about if Faulkner or Sullivan would be looked at as potential hires.

"Not at this juncture, man. I’m looking at outside candidates and lining up the pecking order there. I am appreciative of their efforts in terms of what they did for us down the stretch, but I’m looking for outside candidates at this juncture," Tomlin stated.

Tomlin expressed gratitude for Faulkner and Sullivan's contributions, but emphasized that their performance fell short of what the team needed. He also outlined his vision for the next offensive coordinator while admitting the pressing need for the Steelers to score more points.

"I want us to be versatile and dynamic. Obviously, you know we got to score more points. I want to be able to keep defenses off balance. I want to utilize all the talent we have at our disposal," Tomlin explained.

He expressed excitement about the upcoming hiring process and the opportunity to explore various visions within the organization.

"I’m excited about this process and the talent pool out there based on what I’ve seen so far. I’m really open to learning through this process and seeing what people have to say about their visions. Certainly, I have a vision of what it looks like, but certainly open to learning through this process," Tomlin added.

When questioned about his decision to look for external candidates, Tomlin provided a clear and concise response, stating that he believes it's the most appropriate path to take. While the Steelers' offense did show improvement under interim coordinators Faulkner and Sullivan, the team recognizes that they require something more than just average performance to break their playoff drought and return to championship contention.

Tomlin's emphasis on seeking external candidates reflects the team's commitment to finding a seasoned and innovative offensive mind who can take the Steelers to the next level. The organization is well aware that to compete in the modern NFL, they need an offensive genius who can design creative and dynamic game plans.

The need for an exceptional offensive coordinator is not just about scoring more points; it's about revitalizing the entire offensive system. Tomlin aims to keep opposing defenses off balance, making effective use of the abundant talent at the team's disposal. He envisions a versatile and dynamic offense that can adapt to various situations and opponents. To do this, he believes he must look outside of the organization.

It's clear that the Steelers are taking their offensive coordinator search seriously. They understand that the right hire in this crucial role can have a significant impact on the development of Kenny Pickett or whoever is the starting quarterback in 2024. As Steeler Nation eagerly awaits news of the next offensive coordinator, the organization remains committed to finding the perfect candidate who can help lead the team back to glory.

While some may have speculated about Faulkner's potential candidacy for the offensive coordinator position, it's now clear that the Steelers are looking for a fresh perspective and an offensive genius to lead the way. The next offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh will be under intense scrutiny as Steeler Nation eagerly anticipates the transformation of the team's offense.

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