PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers, facing ongoing offensive challenges and a lack of improvement, made a surprising move by parting ways with offensive coordinator Matt Canada, as announced by coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday.
In a candid statement, Tomlin revealed the gravity of the decision, emphasizing that it was not taken lightly. “It is my role to absorb and protect those that I work with, and this doesn’t feel like that,” he said. “The improvements were not rapid enough or consistent enough for us to proceed.”
Notably, Tomlin asserted that the decision was made independently, without consulting general manager Omar Khan or team president and owner Art Rooney II. “Leadership is lonely,” Tomlin remarked. “I don’t run from it. I run to it. It was mine and mine alone.”
Tomlin went on to announce that running backs coach Eddie Faulkner would assume the role of offensive coordinator, with quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan taking on the majority of playcalling responsibilities. This unique structure makes the Steelers the only team in the league where the offensive playcaller is neither the offensive coordinator nor the head coach.
“The strength of the pack is the pack, and when you’re faced with challenges, I just think that’s the natural and appropriate thing is you distribute responsibility,” Tomlin explained.
Canada, 51, had been serving as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator since 2021, and his dismissal marks a rare midseason change for the franchise. The move reflects the team’s struggles under his tenure, with the offense never surpassing 400 yards in his 45-game career, including playoffs.
The decision to part ways with Canada comes after the Steelers’ latest performance, a 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns, where the team was outgained for the 10th time this season. Tomlin acknowledged that the recent showing played a role in the decision, but he underscored the broader issue of the offense’s inability to consistently score touchdowns.
Running back Najee Harris, expressing frustration after the loss, questioned the sustainability of the team’s winning record, emphasizing the need for a change in the team’s style of play.
Pittsburgh, currently 6-4, faces challenges with a negative point differential (-29) and a consistent deficit in offensive yards in every game this season. The team ranks 28th in points per game, 28th in offensive yards per game, and 31st in passing yards per game.
Tomlin reiterated the primary goal going forward is to put points on the board and engineer victories more fluidly, emphasizing the need for offensive improvement. Second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, confirmed to remain the starter, faces scrutiny with a ranking of 25th in passing yards and 28th in QBR.
While acknowledging the importance of Pickett’s development, Tomlin emphasized the immediate focus on the upcoming games rather than long-term considerations. With a revamped offensive coaching structure, the Steelers aim to address their scoring challenges and enhance their performance on the field.