Steelers Now Have Exciting Shot To Revive Their Offense Rapidly

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive struggles under former coordinator Matt Canada were well-documented, culminating in a rare midseason firing—a move unheard of for the franchise. Canada’s predictable play-calling and lack of adaptability left the offense stagnant and unable to compete in crucial moments. Desperate for change, the Steelers turned to Arthur Smith, hoping his offensive acumen could reignite their attack.

After one season under Smith, there were glimpses of progress, but the optimism quickly faded during a disastrous five-game losing streak. Many Steelers fans are losing patience, not just with Smith, but also with Head Coach Mike Tomlin, demanding sweeping changes to the coaching staff. The frustration is understandable, as the offense remains inconsistent.

Meanwhile, the Houston Texans surprised the league by firing Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik, even after winning a playoff game and dealing with injuries to key receivers like Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell. Slowik, once considered one of the brightest offensive minds in the NFL, is now a free agent. While it’s unlikely, the Steelers would be wise to pursue him for their 2025 staff. Even if Smith isn’t replaced, Slowik could be brought in as a passing game coordinator, providing fresh ideas and positioning himself as a potential successor. Pro Football Talk's Myles Simmons added some insight into why Slowik got fired by the Texans.

"Slowik, 37, was praised for his work with quarterback C.J. Stroud during the 2023 season, helping the No. 2 overall pick of the draft earn AP Offensive Rookie of the Year," Simmons wrote. "But Stroud more than doubled his interceptions in 2024 and his passing numbers dipped significantly, despite playing in two fewer games. Houston finished at No. 19 in points scored and No. 22 in total yards in 2024 after being No. 13 and No. 12 in the same categories the previous season."

Steelers fans will likely point to the fact that Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans acted quickly to fire Slowik, even after a successful 2023 season. Ryans made the move, believing Slowik had regressed in 2024 compared to his impressive work the previous year. This decision underscores the fast-paced nature of the NFL, where even a team like the Texans—who overachieved in 2023 and again in 2024 due to injuries—felt it was time to move on from an offensive mind once widely praised.

In contrast, the Steelers' offense hasn’t come close to matching the success Slowik had in Houston. This highlights how the Steelers' loyalty to coaches may be holding them back from making substantial progress on the offensive side of the ball. Ryans, aiming for more than just playoff appearances, understands that to compete for Super Bowls, significant changes are sometimes necessary—something the Steelers might want to consider as they seek to improve their offensive future.

Ryans' decision shows his commitment to ensuring his star quarterback, CJ Stroud, has the right guidance to reach his full potential. If the Steelers want to elevate their offense to Super Bowl contention, they might need to adopt a similar mindset, prioritizing the right coaching moves even if it means parting ways with familiar faces.

Many Steelers insiders are taking to social media to argue that the team needs to pursue Slowik. With the Steelers' offense lagging far behind, they’re in a position where they should be open to any and every option for improvement. Bringing in Slowik, who enjoyed success in 2023 and showed flashes of progress in 2024, could provide a much-needed boost for the offense.

Steelers Not Likely To Bring In Bobby Slowik But Should

However, it’s unlikely the Steelers will make this move, as they seem content with Smith. The franchise’s traditional loyalty may prevent them from adding someone who could be seen as a threat to the offensive coordinator’s position. While this isn’t the ideal approach, it has been the Steelers' modus operandi for years.

Despite this, the Steelers would be wise to consider adding Slowik to their staff while they have the chance. It’s a rare opportunity, and even if it’s not a direct replacement for Smith, Slowik could bring fresh ideas and play a significant role in reshaping the offense.

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