The Pittsburgh Steelers rank No. 30 in average yards per game five weeks into the 2023 season. With many upset with Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada, it was initially reported by Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazzette that Coach Jon Gruden could be a name to watch to replace Canada. Now, Hall of Famer and friend of Gruden, Warren Sapp is shooting those rumors down.
Former Las Vegas Raiders coach, Jon Gruden smiles at the NFL football team’s game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sept. 13, 2021, in Las Vegas, NV. | Photo Credit: Rick Scuteri / Associated Press
Sapp recently made an appearance on the Fearless with Jason Whitlock podcast. During the podcast, Sapp was asked by Whitlock about these rumors regarding Gruden possibly being the replacement for Canada in 2024. Sapp (who personally knows both Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Gruden) said he talked to both men. Sapp would then sarcastically laugh and almost make a joke of the rumor.
"Not even close... Come on, I can't even tell you what Jon said," commented Sapp.
Sapp would then make public Tomlin's response to him.
“Mike T. said, ‘I don’t know who writes this stuff.’ I said, ‘Yeah, all right.'”
As we can see, it's obvious that Gruden to Steelers was nothing but a random rumor. It's now safe to say (for now) that Gruden to the Steelers will NOT be happening anytime soon. Despite this, questions still loom as the Steelers have to decide whether Canada is the guy long term.
Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada remains on the hot seat, despite the win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 5 of the 2023 regular season.
Who Could The Steelers Replace Canada With?
With rumors swirling, fans mad, and even players upset, it can't be long until we see a change at offensive coordinator for the Steelers. But who would replace Canada? Well, luckily for the Steelers, when you're at the bottom of the league, the only way to go is up. It seems as if the Steelers will retain Canada for the entire 2023 season, but could make a change following the season. So far, two names have jumped out the most: Gruden (which seems less likely now), and former Steelers quarterback, Bryon Leftwich.
Leftwich apparently has already shown interest in helping get the Steelers offense back on track. With Leftwich going as far as contacting the Steelers regarding the issue. So far, it's reported that Leftwich has been "ignored" by the Steelers front office. Despite this, Leftwich to the Steelers could be possible still.
Former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback and Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator, Byron Leftwich. | Photo Credit: Douglas P. DeFelice / Getty Images
Before entering the coaching realm, Leftwich had a lengthy nine-year career as an NFL quarterback. He made just 51 starts during his nine years that including one start as a member of the Steelers in 2012, his final season. In 2008, Leftwich replaced an injured Ben Roethlisberger and helped lead the Steelers to a win over Washington on Monday night. After his career, Leftwich would begin coaching. Leftwich has now spent five seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator and seven years as an NFL assistant coach, including two seasons as a quarterbacks coach.
During the 2020 NFL season, Leftwich played a huge role in getting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back to the Super Bowl (their first time since the 2002 NFL season). He would be the offensive coordinator for the Bucs, who would at the end of the year have a top-three scoring offense in the whole league. Following the 2021 season, Leftwich would be let go by the Bucs after seeing a huge drop off of offensive production.
At this point, most of Steeler Nation believes anyone is better than Canada.
Steelers Offense Must Find Answer After Being Abysmal Through First Five Games
Through five games now, the Steelers still are recording one of the worse offenses in the NFL. With second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, and playmakers across the board, 2023 was supposed to be an exciting year for the Steelers offense. Rather, it's been one to forget already. With faults all around the board, fans and media are quick to point the finger at one person, and that's Canada.
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Steelers' George Pickens secures 41-yard touchdown and the winning score against the Baltimore Ravens.
It will be interesting to see if the Steelers offense is able to get the ball moving. Following their bye week, the Steelers head to Los Angeles to face the Rams who are ranked 15 in average yards given up per game. Therefore, this is a great opportunity for the Steelers offense to finally spread their wings and go back to the Steelers offense we all loved watching.
Will the Steelers keep Canada for long term? Could we see the Steelers front office fire Canada before the end of the 2023 season? Leave your thoughts down below in the comments!
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