Steelers Have 1 Perfect And Logical Option For Senior Offensive Assistant

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a quarterback dilemma entering the 2024 offseason. Kenny Pickett is still an enigma after two NFL seasons, while Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph could both see themselves on new teams when the league's new year begins in March. Pickett has gotten the benefit of the doubt due to subpar play-calling from former Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada. The recent hire of Arthur Smith should provide a little more stability on offense, but he isn't exactly known for developing young signal-callers. This piece will be key for Pickett if he wants to remain the future at the position for the franchise.

As Pickett prepares to enter his third professional season, a lot seems to be on the line. The Steelers' front office has expressed that they'll give him a chance with a new and experienced offensive coordinator, but he also needs to develop when it comes to his decision-making. Smith might not be enough to get this job done in just one year and time is ticking away.

Pittsburgh brought in offensive assistant Glenn Thomas in 2023, but his presence was short-lived. He took a job with the University of Nebraska as the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Now that the Steelers have their man at offensive coordinator, it's certainly time to potentially look at someone to bring in to boost Pickett's play even more.

Immediately after the hiring of Smith, Head Coach Mike Tomlin, General Manager Omar Khan, President Art Rooney II, or some combination of those three, should have been on the phone with former Carolina Panthers Head Coach, Frank Reich. Since being fired by the Panthers in late November, Reich hasn't been mentioned much in the 2024 coaching search.

If the theme for Pittsburgh is to bring in experienced coaches who excelled as coordinators throughout their NFL careers, Reich would be the perfect guy to put alongside both Smith and Pickett. He was a Super Bowl-winning offensive coordinator with the Philadelphia Eagles and has strong experiences as a quarterbacks coach as well. If the Steelers are set on making Pickett out to be the next franchise quarterback, which he still has yet to prove that he is, bringing in a guy like Reich would be an incredible move to set Pickett up for success. 

The start to Bryce Young's career in Carolina may scare some fans away from the idea of Reich being brought in, but it's hard to say no to a coach with that much experience who is willing to take a job as an assistant. The Steelers have approached the coaching staff with a conservative mindset for much too long. The addition of Brian Flores to the defensive staff in 2022 was arguably the most surprising hire in the Tomlin era. 

If the organization wants to take the next step and finally compete for a Super Bowl again under Tomlin, pieces need to be set in place on the roster and staff alike. Reich is established and smart. An offensive room consisting of him and Smith is bound to find success on Sundays.

Steelers Have Important Task Of Giving Pickett As Many Resources As Possible

One could argue that Pickett's time in Pittsburgh has already run its course given his underwhelming stats. If the organization admits defeat; however, and understands how damaging the promotion of Canada was, it would be fair to give Pickett one more chance to prove himself. It will be a pivotal year of growth for him. There should be no other option than to give Pickett the best available coaches to help him convince the NFL world that he is a starting-caliber quarterback.

Do you think Reich would be a strong candidate to work as the team's senior offensive assistant? Let us know in the comments below!

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