The 2022 NFL regular season begins for the Pittsburgh Steelers in a few short months, but it is quite possible that it is the last season as a member of the organization for certain coaches on the staff. The obvious choice to be put atop this list is who everyone would expect, but diving into the coaching staff and previous seasons a bit more leads to a few other names popping up who should feel their seat warm up a little if things don't go as planned this year. Let's dive in:
1.) Matt Canada - Steelers Offensive Coordinator
Canada is the obvious choice for this list as he was far from popular amongst Steelers fans in 2021 and the offense was far from the team's strong suit. While I wouldn't be surprised if the offense exceeds expectations in 2022, Canada will not get the benefit of the doubt if the unit is less than impressive throughout the upcoming season.
Mason Rudolph and Matt Canada talk during training camp in 2021. Photo / JSKO_PHOTO (Twitter)
Najee Harris averaged a weak 3.8 yards per carry in 2021 mainly in part due to opposing defenses stacking the box. Throwing the ball over the field wasn't necessarily a dangerous part of the offense because of Ben Roethlisberger's inability to get the ball downfield consistently. There are less excuses for Canada with a talented offense and young arms at quarterback, but his job was already in question after one season with the job. Another poor offensive performance will certainly see the end of his tenure.
2.) Danny Smith - Steelers Special Teams Coach
Smith seems to be a fan favorite in some aspects, but if we look at the last few years, his group, aside from Chris Boswell, has significantly underperformed. The kickoff team allowed a total of 1,100 return yards a year ago and the punting group allowed 308 return yards. Both numbers were in the bottom 10 of the league. In fact, the special teams units have been in the bottom 10 of both statistical categories the two seasons prior as well.
Pressley Harvin III's rookie season wasn't what Steelers fans had hoped for as he was statistically one of the worst punters in the NFL last year. His punting average of 43.5 yards per punt was fourth worst in the league. Another season of poor kickoff coverage, poor punt return coverage, and a lack of improvement from Harvin has the potential to put Smith's job in jeopardy after or maybe even during 2022.
3.) Mike Sullivan - Steelers Quarterback Coach
Sullivan is going into his second year with this position for the Steelers. One may not expect him to be on the hot seat, but he has three brand new quarterbacks to work with and if the chemistry isn't there, the organization would be destined to invest in Kenny Pickett's growth with a new coach rather than Sullivan.
Steelers Quarterbacks Coach Mike Sullivan. (Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
There is a ton of talent on the offensive side of the ball and young, athletic quarterbacks should thrive if they are put in the right system with Canada. Mitch Trubisky should be better than when we saw him with the Chicago Bears and Pickett was said to be NFL-ready when drafted. Poor performances from one or both of these two signal-callers throughout the season will originally fall back on Canada, but could also lead to Sullivan being collateral damage.
Which Steelers coaches do you think are on the hot seat heading into the 2022 season? Let us know in the comments below!
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