Steelers Insider Predicts The Return Of One Important Offensive Staff Member Despite Hiring Arthur Smith

The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly announced the hiring of former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith as the team's new offensive coordinator. This has created a firestorm of controversy on social media stemming from the Falcons' performance while he was at the helm the last three seasons. It has also created questions about the fate of the other offensive staff members in Pittsburgh. In particular, fans are curious about what will become of the duo that took on the role of interim offensive coordinators after the firing of Matt Canada. Mike Sullivan, the Steelers' quarterback coach, took over play-calling duties, while Running Backs Coach Eddie Faulkner became the official interim offensive coordinator. 

Sullivan has been getting some attention for his work in Pittsburgh. He was recently interviewed by the Las Vegas Raiders for their open offensive coordinator position. The Raiders recently hired a new head coach in Antonio Pierce. While this seems fast considering Sullivan has only two other seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator, he does have a history with Pierce. He spent two seasons as an offensive coordinator during his time with the New York Giants, where Pierce was a linebacker. 

Insider Reports The Steelers Likely Won't Overhaul The Offensive Staff

Gerry Dulac, a Steelers insider who writes for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, recently addressed the question regarding Sullivan's future in one of his popular "chat" columns where fans write in questions and Dulac answers them. 

"I'm told Mike Sullivan will be back as QB coach unless he gets an OC job elsewhere. And that's a smart move. The QBs love Sullivan and he would be a great buffer for them while they transition to a new style of offense," wrote Dulac.

Dulac goes on to say that he believes that Smith will have "input," but not "control" over what happens with the offensive coaching staff. As he pointed out several times, there are currently no other openings on the offensive staff. While that can change (people get hired or move on from teams), he isn't anticipating a big exodus. As Dulac pointed out, that is probably a good thing for all of the offensive players, but particularly quarterback Kenny Pickett, who will be going into his third year. 

Pickett has struggled to settle into the role of professional quarterback. His first two seasons were mired by injury, drama, and lousy play-calling. While there are plenty of fans who no longer have, or never had, confidence in him as a starting quarterback, there are also supporters who think his development was stunted by Canada. It is fair to say that we only saw Pickett play in one game after Canada was fired after the Week 11 loss to the Cleveland Browns.  

Dulac was asked by another fan if Smith can get Pickett to that elite level. In particular, can he help him read the field better and find open receivers, throw with more accuracy, have a better pocket presence, and so on? The fan in question was asking specifically about the incredible offense that Kyle Shanahan has built with the San Francisco 49ers or the one Andy Reid has developed with the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Dulac said that an offensive coordinator can help the offensive players recognize their full potential. He isn't a magician that can take someone without the skills and make them someone with the skills, but a good coordinator can develop talent and scheme around his players. If Pickett doesn't develop, that is not an indictment of Smith. 

"No, he [Kenny Pickett] isn't Patrick Mahomes. And, no, he doesn't have a supporting cast of [Christian] McCaffrey, Deebo [Samuel], [George] Kittle, and [Brandon] Aiyuk, like Purdy does in that SF offense."

All in all, Dulac is very happy with the signing of Smith and the retention of the current offensive staff. Fans will just have to wait and see if any of the offensive assistants get scooped up by another team before starting up the chants for the coaches they prefer. 

What do you think about what Dulac said about Sullivan? Click to comment below.

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