The Pittsburgh Steelers suffered a disappointing loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round of the 2023 NFL Playoffs and now find themselves in the market for a new offensive coordinator. Although interim coaches Mike Sullivan and Eddie Faulkner stepped up after the team parted ways with Matt Canada, Head Coach Mike Tomlin has made it clear that he's exploring external options.
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Steelers' Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan talk on the sideline during a game against the Cleveland Browns in 2023.
Both Kenny Pickett and Mason Rudolph’s promising performances without Canada's influence highlight the potential for growth with a fresh perspective. The next OC will play a crucial role in shaping the offensive identity, whether it's around Pickett, Rudolph or someone else. But with either QB potentially stepping into a new system, this adds complexity to the entire hiring process.
As enthusiasts speculate on the destinations of prominent coaching figures through sports betting options at PA online casinos, we gain insight into potential candidates for the Steelers' vacant OC position. Here, we highlight the top contenders that Tomlin and the Steelers should evaluate for the role in 2024.
Arthur Smith (Former Atlanta Falcons HC)
Arthur Smith, renowned for his play-action-heavy offense in Tennessee, earned the head coaching position in Atlanta. Despite challenges with quarterback Desmond Ridder, Smith's offensive acumen and reputation align with the Steelers' philosophy. Known for reviving Ryan Tannehill's career, Smith possesses the expertise to maximize quarterback potential.
His track record suggests an ability to adapt offensive schemes, making him an ideal candidate for Pittsburgh. The Steelers could benefit from Smith's experience and innovative play-calling, providing a fresh perspective to elevate their offensive strategy and capitalize on the team's strengths.
Bobby Slowik (Houston Texans OC)
Bobby Slowik, the offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans, played a pivotal role in their impressive offensive turnaround. With a background in Kyle Shanahan's coaching staff, Slowik brings a wealth of experience and a keen understanding of effective offensive design.
Despite poor offensive lines, Slowik demonstrated the ability to maximize offensive output. His potential to enhance Pickett's playstyle adds an exciting dimension to his candidacy for the Steelers. Slowik's roots in coaching excellence, coupled with a proven track record, make him an intriguing option to lead Pittsburgh's offensive charge into the 2024 season.
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Houston Texans Head Coach DeMeco Ryans (left) and Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik (right).
Frank Reich (Former Carolina Panthers HC)
Frank Reich, with a Super Bowl title as the offensive coordinator for the Eagles, brings a championship pedigree to his coaching resume. Despite recent indications of the possible conclusion of his NFL journey, the opportunity to join a success-driven organization like the Steelers might reignite his passion.
Reich's offensive success in championship environments positions him as a compelling option for Pittsburgh and his experience as a head coach adds valuable leadership to the coaching staff. If the Steelers seek a seasoned strategist with a history of playoff success, Reich's proven track record could make a significant impact on the team's offensive trajectory.
Kliff Kingsbury (Former Arizona Cardinals HC)
While perhaps the more unconventional choice, Kingsbury's success adapting the Air Raid to the NFL and spreading out defenses could align well with the Steelers’ personnel. His quarterback-centric approach might be the bold move Pittsburgh needs to maximize the potential of their talented receiving corps of George Pickens and Diontae Johnson.
Kingsbury has valuable experience at both the college and NFL level, bringing a versatile background that could help to introduce more innovative offensive schemes. Once deemed an offensive mastermind, Kingsbury could completely rejuvenate Pittsburgh's play-calling and strategically enhance its competitiveness behind a still-young offensive core.
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Kliff Kingsbury
Josh McDaniels (Former Las Vegas Raiders HC)
Despite a challenging tenure as the head coach in Las Vegas, Josh McDaniels' offensive acumen is unquestionable. The success of rookie Mac Jones and the Patriots' playoff berth during McDaniels' New England stint highlight his expertise in molding young quarterbacks.
If the goal is to maximize the potential of Pickett or Rudolph, McDaniels' experience as an offensive coordinator brings stability and strategic insight to the Steelers. His ability to adapt offensive schemes to suit the strengths of his quarterbacks could provide a dynamic and effective approach, revitalizing Pittsburgh's offensive identity in the 2024 season.
Klint Kubiak (San Francisco 49ers Pass Game Coordinator)
Klint Kubiak, with over a decade of coaching experience and recent involvement with the San Francisco 49ers' coaching staff, emerges as a solid candidate for the Steelers. With Tomlin allegedly seeking an external voice to reshape the offense, Kubiak (the son of former Denver Broncos Head Coach Gary Kubiak), might bring a fresh and respected perspective Pittsburgh needs.
His background as a quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator adds value to his candidacy, making him an appealing option for Pittsburgh's offensive revitalization. Kubiak's exposure to diverse coaching roles and his role in the 49ers' potent pass game position him as a dynamic strategist capable of infusing new ideas into the Steelers' offensive playbook.
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San Francisco 49ers offensive passing game specialist, Klint Kubiak.
Dave Canales (Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC)
Dave Canales, renowned as a “quarterback whisperer,” significantly contributed to both Russell Wilson and Geno Smith's success in Seattle. As if this wasn’t enough, he’s coming off a 2023 season in which he completely revitalized former first-overall pick Baker Mayfield, helping him turn in the best season of his young NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While many expect Canales to compete for a head coach position, teams may still want to see him prove himself more as an offensive coordinator first. Maximizing the potential of a young quarterback like Pickett, the Steelers could provide the perfect platform for Canales to showcase his talents and potentially become a sought-after head coaching candidate in 2025.
