The Steelers, who have only had 16 coaches in its 90-year history, made a surprise mid-season firing, parting ways with Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada after dismal season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant change to their coaching staff today. Head coach Mike Tomlin, issued a statement regarding Canada's departure, expressing gratitude for Canada's commitment and effort during his tenure and wishing him success in his future endeavors. Tomlin said, "Matt Canada has been relived of his duties as offensive coordinator, I appreciate Matt's hard work and dedication and I wish him the best moving forward in his career."
In the wake of Canada's firing, the Steelers are reportedly planning to have running backs coach Eddie Faulkner step up as the new offensive coordinator while quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan is expected to take on play-calling duties. This move indicates a strategic split in offensive game planning responsibilities for the team.
Under Matt Canada's tenure as the Steelers' offensive coordinator for three seasons, the team consistently struggled with their offensive production. Not once did they manage to break the 400-yard mark in any game leading to a streak of 58 games without 400-plus total yards.
The Steelers average 16.6 points per game this season, 28th in the NFL, and average just 0.7 pass touchdowns per game this season, 31st in the NFL. Still they are 6-4 and in the playoff picture. The Steelers' next game is this Sunday in Cincinnati against division rivals, Bengals.
--Alice Wells