1 More Sign That The Pittsburgh Steelers Are Not Confident In Matt Canada

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator, Matt Canada might be the most despised member of Steeler Nation. While it is true that offensive coordinators always get the bulk of fans' anger and frustration, with Canada, it feels warranted. Now there is another telling sign emerging that leads to questions about the team's confidence in his abilities. 

Canada took over the offensive reins in 2021 after the team did not keep Randy Fichtner, the previously most despised member of Steeler Nation. Canada joined the Steelers in 2020 as the quarterbacks coach. 

Prior to joining the Steelers, Canada had coached as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at several colleges including Maryland, Pittsburgh, and LSU. 

Immediately, the Canada promotion was met with skepticism. Many felt he did not have enough professional experience to take on such a large role. 

During his first season with the team, the offense under retiring quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looked disorganized and undisciplined. The play-calling was strange and the offensive line couldn't block anyone. They averaged only 3.8 yards per carry and Roethlisberger had to release the ball faster than ever before. 

During the season, Roethlisberger took a lot of heat from critics who felt that he was the problem with the offense. Saying an old dog couldn’t be taught new tricks. 

Then in 2022, the team started Mitch Trubisky and things looked even worse. Ultimately head coach, Mike Tomlin chose to bench Trubisky in favor of then-rookie Kenny Pickett. 

The offense got off to a sluggish start, but picked up momentum as Pickett settled in. They went 2-6 prior to the bye week and finished post-bye 7-2. Many players spoke up as things improved saying that the bye week helped them to gel as a team and buy into Canada’s system. 

That did not stop opponents from calling Canada’s plays “vanilla,” “predictable” and “boring.” Rumors swirled that opposing teams were saying they knew what the play would be before it was called. 

Despite the improvement, many felt that Canada should and would be fired at the end of the season. The Steelers typically sign coordinators to three-year contracts and positional coaches to two-year ones. That was why it felt like a bit of a shock to hear that Canada was actually extended, per Brooke Pryor, through 2023. 

Have The Steelers Lost Faith In Matt Canada?

The Steelers are making a lot of offseason improvements, including hiring Canada an assistant coach. They have added lineman Le'Raven Clark, guard Isaac Seumalo, guard Nate Herbig, and re-signed tight end, Zach Gentry. 

While free agency is not over, eyes are starting to turn towards the NFL Draft, which is just a few short weeks away. The Steelers have done well ensuring that they are not headed to the draft with huge gaping holes, but that doesn't mean there isn't still a need. 

Most signs point toward the team going defense with their first pick, but that is going to depend on how the first 16 go. It would be ideal for them to look for more offensive line help and a wide receiver at some point. So while offense might not be their top need, the Steelers tend to draft based largely on the best player available.

Typically this time of year is an all-hands-on-deck approach to evaluating potential rookies. Everyone heads out to put eyes on players they are interested in and we've heard reports that all staff members from GM Omar Khan, assistant GM Andy Weidl, head coach Tomlin, to defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. There is one coordinator that is noticeably absent: Canada.

Steelers insider and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter, Ray Fittipaldo, recently discussed this briefly in his chat. He was asked if it is unusual that Canada isn't attending. 

"He's told where to go. He doesn't get to pick and choose. I don't know what to make of it, but it does seem a bit odd."

This isn't business as usual, Canada did attend pro days the past two years. However, in prior years, the team was looking at bigger-name offensive players - running backs and quarterbacks. 

So is Canada's absence a sign of him being grounded by the team? It seems unlikely given the fact that Tomlin has expressed his trust and belief in Canada's abilities. It is more likely that it is an indication of where they are headed in the draft (leaning heavier on defense). 

Regardless, they will still be looking at some offensive players, and in a situation where you typically have everyone involved, it is odd that he is excluded. 

What do you make of Canada not attending any pro days? Do you think it is unusual or just a sign of their draft plans? What do you think of Canada in 2023? Comment below. 

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