While the Pittsburgh Steelers have made several moves in the 2023 free agency period, the coaching staff has been updated in certain areas, but no overhaul was necessarily expected. A very familiar group will return to lead the way. Head coach, Mike Tomlin isn't headed out any time soon (unless he decides to walk away), offensive coordinator Matt Canada is back for another year of criticism and defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin will enter his second year with the job. Other than Tomlin, though, not many of the top coaches should feel comfortable with their job security.
Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin stands on the field as his team stretches before a home game in Pittsburgh, PA in 2021. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
There's no doubt that one specific play-caller will be at the top of the list. As he enters the final year of his contract, a lack of results in 2023 will most likely lead to the organization moving on and finding someone else to help second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett grow going forward.
1.) Matt Canada, Offensive Coordinator
Many wanted Canada out following the 2022 season, but a more consistent offense, a 7-2 record in the final nine games and a lack of turnovers from Pickett at season's end likely earned Canada a third season at the helm. There is little room for error, however. He has a history with both Tomlin and Pickett, but the run-run-pass-punt sequence is not going to cut it.
There are no excuses this time around as Pickett has a full offseason as the starter, the offensive line was retooled in free agency and the team has a talented group of playmakers. The Steelers don't typically fire someone in-season, but if it ever were to happen, Canada is the most likely candidate.
Hot Seat Level - Piping Hot
Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada on the field at a practice during 2022 training camp. | Photo Credit: Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (@JSKO_PHOTO Twitter)
2.) Danny Smith, Special Teams Coordinator
Pittsburgh's special teams numbers were less than impressive once again in 2022. Not everything was bad, but the unit was 30th in kick return yards allowed, 29th in field goal percentage (not necessarily Smith's fault) and 28th in punting average. Some believe these stats are skewed due to return rates and that's true, but the Steelers have been 25th or worse in opponent kick return yards allowed every year since 2019.
It's not that Smith does a horrible job. He seems to be a fan favorite, but mediocrity shouldn't be accepted and that's exactly what the team has gotten the last five years. A bounce back year for Chris Boswell and a much improved, Pressley Harvin III could very well give him another year in 2024, but don't be surprised if his job is in jeopardy after 2023.
Hot Seat Level - Warm
3.) Teryl Austin, Defensive Coordinator
The defense was inconsistent in Austin's first year with the main job. Part of it was because of TJ Watt's absence the first half of the season. The unit was much better when he returned in November. There were definitely concerns late in games as there were multiple occasions the group was worn down by the run.
Steelers defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin. Photo Credit: Associated Press
The organization will likely add to the defensive line in the 2023 NFL Draft and the new signings at linebacker hint at a more physical, downhill group in Austin's second year. He has all the talent in the world on his side of the ball and even if there are some struggles, it'd be shocking if Tomlin decides to let him go after only two years with the job.
Hot Seat Level - Lukewarm
Steelers Head Coach Isn't Going Anywhere
Before anyone causes a stir: no, Tomlin is not on the hot seat and he won't be for some time. It's increasingly more likely that as each year passes, he will be the Steelers' guy until he decides he wants to step away.
Do you agree with the 2023 hot seat candidates? Anyone else who should be on the list? Let us know in the comments below!
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