Report Confirms Steelers HC Mike Tomlin Made Surprising Decision To Dismiss Matt Canada After Week 11

The Pittsburgh Steelers made the move that no one expected them to just ahead of Week 12. After months of fans calling for his job, Matt Canada was relieved of his duties as offensive coordinator. It was a long time coming for a guy that was in his third season in the position. Many questioned the organization's decision to retain him for the 2023 season, but they wanted some continuity for their 2022 first-rounder, Kenny Pickett.

That didn't go according to plan, as Pickett failed to show any signs of progression through the first 10 games of the season. We'll see how the quarterback looks with Mike Sullivan calling plays now instead of Canada. In his press conference on Tuesday, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin confirmed that he was the one that made the decision. Dianna Russini of The Athletic has since confirmed that it was indeed Tomlin's decision.

"Head Coach Mike Tomlin had multiple discussions with the staff, including his boss, Steelers owner Art Rooney, before informing Canada he was out after three seasons of calling plays. I was told by team sources the decision was truly Tomlin’s call. While ownership listened and supported the head coach, he was never instructed or pressured to make a change."

It's hard to criticize a coach like Mike Tomlin, whom remains one of the best in the NFL. You've probably heard the stat before, but he's coached Pittsburgh to at least a .500 record in every season since taking over. With that, one of his lone criticisms has been the coaching staffs that he's put together. Oftentimes, the Steelers' assistant coaches don't compare to other top organizations around the NFL.

Historically, the front office is cheap in terms of the money that they pay to their assistants, at least compared to other NFL teams. Still, Tomlin hasn't been able to assemble any elite staffs, and Canada is just the latest example of this. Canada had obvious ties to Tomlin, and the latter opted to keep him around for nearly three seasons. The fact that he decided to fire him in the middle of the season tells you all you need to know.

Will The Steelers Offense Improve With Canada Gone?

Shortly after the firing, reports came out that this was a move to save the locker room. We've seen wide receivers George Pickens and Diontae Johnson have their fair share of frustrations recently. Running back Najee Harris was blunt on the offense's performance (or lack thereof) after the Week 11 loss to the Cleveland Browns. A move had to be made, and Tomlin decided that firing Canada would help.

It remains mysterious as to why the team didn't just move on from him during the Week 6 bye. In that case, it would have allowed an additional week of preparation for Sullivan and interim OC Eddie Faulkner. As former NFL center Jeff Saturday recently pointed out, the final seven games will be all about Pickett. If he fails to show any improvements, the Steelers may be looking for a new quarterback sooner rather than later.

Things are changing in Pittsburgh, and it's about time. It provides some hope for fans that the organization will change its stubborn ways. This offseason, it is crucial for them to find a legitimate offensive coordinator, one that will provide a much-needed spark.

What was your initial reaction when the team finally decided to fire Canada? Who do you want the team to hire as the new OC this upcoming offseason? Share your thoughts in the comment section below, yinz!

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