Steelers’ Eddie Faulkner Shares His Honest Feelings On Being Passed Over For Offensive Coordinator Job

The Pittsburgh Steelers have had Eddie Faulkner coaching their running backs since the 2019 season. When the Steelers' offense struggled significantly during the 2023 season, the team made the historic decision to fire Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada in late November. This led to Quarterbacks Coach Mike Sullivan and Faulkner stepping in as co-offensive coordinators, with Sullivan as the play-caller and Faulkner serving as the interim offensive coordinator.

The two were thrust into action at a pivotal time for the Steelers. The struggling quarterback Kenny Pickett had one of his most efficient and best games in the first game after Canada's departure. As Faulkner and Sullivan took over, the offense improved, but still was not outstanding. The Steelers became a more formidable threat on offense, leading some to speculate that Faulkner might be considered for the offensive coordinator position permanently.

However, the Steelers quickly made it clear they were looking outside the organization for their next offensive coordinator. They hired Arthur Smith, who brings a track record of success and hope that he can address the team's offensive issues.

Faulkner spoke to the media on Tuesday about being passed over for the offensive coordinator job by the Steelers and other teams. He expressed his happiness to be in Pittsburgh, working with Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin.

"I'm happy to be here. This is Pittsburgh, PA. I have a great boss, and I work with some great people. I have a great room that I worked hard to build to be quite honest with you, so I like to see them reap the fruits of their labor and be here and be part of it. I understand where I'm at in my career. I obviously have ambitions, but it's not something I'm thinking about daily in terms of, 'I gotta get out.'"

Faulkner is in no hurry to leave Pittsburgh. However, he does have ambitions beyond being a running backs coach. When asked if his experience as interim offensive coordinator had helped him in any way, he responded thoughtfully.

“I think so. I do not see how it can hurt. But you know, the eyes don’t always be in the beauty of the beholder from that standpoint. We will see how that goes, but I am very happy with what I am doing now.”

Faulkner elaborated that during his brief tenure as interim offensive coordinator, he was able to build stronger relationships with the entire offense. He also proved to himself that he has the capability to be an effective offensive coordinator.

“You know I have a rapport with everybody on offense a little bit more now maybe because of that role. I just feel like I reassured that I could do it… I feel really good if that opportunity ever comes to fruition for me.”

Steelers' Running Back Room Is Set For A Breakout Season In 2024

In the 2024 season, Faulkner's running back unit will be crucial in driving the offense. Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren are expected to benefit significantly from the new system that Smith plans to implement in Pittsburgh, which will feature a lot of run plays. 

With an improved offensive line and Faulkner eager to build on the momentum he gained in 2023, the dynamic duo of Harris and Warren puts the Steelers' offense in a strong position. If Faulkner's group has a good year, the Steelers are poised to turn plenty of heads in the upcoming season.

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