Steelers Have Inside Track To Name Perfect Candidate As Offensive Coordinator By "End Of The Week"

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the middle of filling out the team's coaching staff after hiring Mike McCarthy. McCarthy has always been known for his ability to put together a good coaching staff, which is something that the Steelers have struggled with in recent years. He already has made some significant hires on the defensive side of the ball, and he is filling out his offensive staff slowly. He is searching for his offensive coordinator, which is not as important of a role for the Steelers as it has been in recent years as McCarthy will be calling the plays during games.

A strong name in the running for offensive coordinator was former NFL quarterback Scott Tolzien. He is the current quarterbacks coach for the New Orleans Saints, but it was announced on Tuesday that he would be staying with the franchise after interviewing with the Steelers on Monday. Lunda Wells has also been interviewed, and McCarthy and the team will be meeting with Brian Angelichio on Tuesday. Insider Mark Kaboly believes he is a strong candidate and could be named the offensive coordinator by the end of the week, which he posted to social media on Monday night.

"The Steelers will now pivot to Minnesota passing game coordinator/tight ends coach and Vikings’ head coach Kevin O’Connell’s right-hand man, Brian Angelichio, for an interview at some point over the next few days, according to sources," Kaboly wrote. "Angelichio is considered a strong contender and is a serious candidate to be named the Steelers' offensive coordinator by the end of the week."

Angelichio is currently with the Minnesota Vikings under Head Coach Kevin O'Connell. He seems to be important to their staff, so it might be difficult to pry him away from the franchise. He is entrusted with many roles as he is the passing game coordinator, tight ends coach, and he is also close with the head coach. He is valuable in Minnesota, but he may be seeking a promotion to offensive coordinator. 

Angelichio would be an intriguing hire, even if he wouldn't be calling the plays. O'Connell has become one of the league's most appreciated offensive coaches, and adding someone from his staff in Pittsburgh would provide the fan base with a ton of optimism. The offense has struggled immensely in recent years, and Angelichio could be a great mind to have on the staff to keep things moving in a positive direction.

The offensive coordinator candidate also has history with McCarthy. The two coached together for three seasons with the Green Bay Packers from 2016 through 2018. The two have some great background together, and Angelichio could bring a lot to the franchise if he were to be hired. It might take a lot to pull him away from Minnesota, but it would be worth it.

Steelers Seem To Be Focused On Tight Ends

There seems to be a common theme across some of these candidates that are being interviewed at offensive coordinator. Nearly all of them have some background with tight ends. Wells and Angelichio are very experienced when it comes to coaching tight ends at the NFL level, and that might show what McCarthy thinks of this offense. It can be argued that tight end is the strongest position group, the group just has not been used properly over the last couple of years. Pat Freiermuth has not been on the field as much as he should be, and he has not seen enough targets either. McCarthy may be factoring that into his search for an offensive coordinator, or he is just going after guys that he is familiar with and has coached with before.

What do you think about Angelichio potentially being Pittsburgh's next offensive coordinator? Let us know in the comments below!

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