The Pittsburgh Steelers did not improve offensively in 2024 as much as the organization would have liked. After selecting a promising draft class, the Steelers' offensive line seemed to have a lot of potential. However, many setbacks occurred with the big men up front due to injuries and lack of development. This led to a rushing attack between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren also not taking a step forward, which sabotaged the offense's entire season. The Steelers have historically predicated on dominating offensively through the run, but a new face in the coaching staff might be their final hope of accomplishing that once again.
National Football Post
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a chance to reach out to Northern Illinois Head Coach Thomas Hammock to coach the running backs in 2025.
In 2023, under Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada and Running Backs Coach Eddie Faulkner, the Steelers averaged 118.2 rushing yards per game which ranked 13th in the NFL. They finished 2023 with the ninth most rushing attempts, but were in the bottom half of the league in yards per carry. The 2022 season beforehand, which was the worst offensive unit Pittsburgh has had in recent years, they were rushing for over 121 yards per game. This season, the Steelers ran for 127.4 yards per game and 4.1 yards per carry.
The Arthur Smith hire did not go as well for the offense as many had hoped, which means more solutions need to be had. It has been reported by Pittsburgh insiders that Faulkner's contract with the Steelers is expiring this offseason. That, unfortunately, cannot be confirmed, but sources say that is the case for Pittsburgh. If the front office decides to move on from Faulkner, the Steelers will need a replacement to coach the running backs. A new name circulating that could make a return to the NFL is Thomas Hammock, current head coach for Northern Illinois.
A name generating some interest for RB coach or run-game coordinator is Northern Illinois coach Thomas Hammock, sources say. At least three teams have called about the former #Ravens RBs coach whose team beat Notre Dame this year.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 24, 2025
Hammock has spent the last six years as the head coach for Northern Illinois and won 32 of 70 games in his time there. Earlier this season, Hammock led his team to a surprising upset over Marcus Freeman and Notre Dame, who earned themselves a spot in the CFP National Championship. Hammock's squad handed Notre Dame their only regular season loss of the year. Northern Illinois finished their victory over the Fighting Irish with 45 carries for 190 yards on the ground.
Before beginning his journey with Huskies in 2019, Hammock had previous experience as a backfield coach. As a matter of fact, Hammock was an AFC North rival of the Steelers as he coached the Baltimore Ravens for five seasons. Ian Rapoport reported that at least three NFL teams have called about Hammock, who will likely move on from Northern Illinois. The Steelers certainly need to be involved in discussions about Hammock, especially if Faulkner's time is up.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Justin Fields runs the ball as Jaylen Warren looks to block against the Los Angeles Chargers.
One of the only running backs on the Steelers' roster that will surely be back in 2025 is Warren. Harris' time in the Steel City is likely over, despite being a former first round draft choice by the organization. Assuming Harris will get some intriguing offers in free agency, the Steelers will have to search for another running back in the offseason. In addition, Justin Fields is a strong candidate to be the team's starting quarterback in 2025, which brings another explosive element to the running game.
The Steelers have big, important decisions to make regarding the rush attack with both the coaching staff and the roster outlook. The front office needs to find a running backs coach that can use Warren and Fields' strengths to their advantage in an effort to benefit the entire offense. If the organization believes Hammock can be that guy, there should be no hesitation in bringing him in.
Steelers' Rushing Numbers Need To And Should Improve Drastically In 2025
Much of the fan base has been unhappy with Harris getting the larger workload over Warren in the past two seasons. Warren has been one of the few bright spots on the Steelers' offense and has a tendency to create explosive plays. Harris lacked big plays, but got the job done when it came to being an every-down running back.
Steven Bisig / USA TODAY Sports
Steelers' Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren catch their breath at Lumen Field.
If Fields winds up being the starting quarterback next season, he and Warren should be able to create a special dynamic. Despite the rush attack looking visibly better over the years, the numbers haven't improved. If the Steelers can address their offensive line issues and grab another explosive back to pair with Warren, Pittsburgh has a chance to create one of the most dangerous rushing units in the NFL.
What do you think? Does Hammock seem like a good fit for a Steelers offense that has struggled finding answers? Let us know in the comments below.
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