The 2023 season for the Pittsburgh Steelers was full of fantastic highs and a few lows. The team was tested time and time again. Sometimes, they rose to the challenge, but other times, they weren’t so lucky. However, the team did well overall, finishing in third place in the AFC North division and a trip to the playoffs (despite some questionable quarterback play for most of the season).
KARL ROSER / STEELERS
Pittsburgh Steelers 2023 quarterbacks, from left, Kenny Pickett, Mason Rudolph, and Mitch Trubisky.
This checkered record focused the minds of the Rooney family and Head Coach Mike Tomlin. They’ve worked together to bring exciting changes to the coaching lineup and made a bold hire. But before we get onto that, let’s see how 2023 went for the Steelers.
2023 Season Recap
It was the season that the Steelers joined the likes of the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Bears to become one of the teams to have reached 700 wins. In Week 17, they became the first AFC team to post 20 consecutive non-losing records by beating the Seattle Seahawks.
In Week 18, the team improved their 2022 record with a win against the Baltimore Ravens. When the Jacksonville Jaguars lost against the Tennessee Titans the next day, the Steelers qualified for the playoffs. Without a doubt, the continuous growth made them a favorite among fans and on sites such as SportsBet NFL, alike.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett had a rollercoaster season. He put his leadership skills to good use most notably in the team’s win on the road over the Cincinnati Bengals. Running back Najee Harris played his part, and ran 99 yards to help the Steelers to their victory.
Shaking Things Up
Tomlin and the Rooney family have taken a good hard look at the team’s performance and have made some key changes to the coaching staff.
Phil Matusz has been hired as the strength and conditioning coach. He comes with a wealth of experience and has spent the last four years at Boston College as the strength and conditioning coach. Before Boston College, he was assistant strength and conditioning coach at Ohio State for six seasons.
Mike Sullivan has changed roles from quarterback coach to become the senior offensive assistant and passing game coordinator. Tom Arth has been hired as the new quarterbacks coach. Sullivan interviewed with the New Orleans Saints and the Las Vegas Raiders for offensive coordinator roles, but wasn’t successful. However, his role has been broadened with the Steelers, and his experience will be very useful to the team.
The new assistant offensive coach is Matt Baker. He will work with Sullivan and others on the offensive coaching staff to give the Steelers the edge they need. Baker was an NFL quarterback and was previously the special teams assistant for the Atlanta Falcons.
Kyle Terada / USA TODAY Sports
New Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks coach, Tom Arth.
Assistant Secondary Coach
The really big news for the Steelers hires is that they’ve bought in Anthony Midget as the new assistant secondary coach. Many people in the NFL have been impressed and surprised by this bold hire.
Midget was the defensive back coach for the Tennessee Titans, but was fired in January 2023. He will now be looking to restart his coaching career with the Steelers. Coach Tomlin knows that the secondary is in need of improvement, and Midget is considered to be an outstanding hire for this position. So, this could help to move the Steelers into a stronger place for the new season.
In Summary
Along with new wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni as well, the Steelers are looking like they’re highly motivated to find success in the 2024 season. The changes in the coaching lineup and new hires should bring some welcome energy to the team. The season ahead is heating up to be a thrilling one for the Steelers!
