The Pittsburgh Steelers made a bold move this week by firing offensive coordinator Matt Canada. This decision comes as no surprise to fans and observers of the team, who have been critical of the team’s offensive struggles in recent years.
The Steelers, known for their winning tradition and Super Bowl success, have found themselves in a slump. They are currently in possession of a theoretical wild-card berth with a 6-4 record, but their offense has been lackluster. Under Canada’s system, the Steelers have trailed in the fourth quarter of every one of their wins and have been outgained in yardage by every opposing offense they’ve faced this season. It’s clear that a change was needed.
The decision to fire Canada just two days before Thanksgiving and less than a week after an ugly loss to their rivals, the Cleveland Browns, shows that the Steelers are serious about addressing their offensive woes. The move was met with mixed reactions from fans, but many believe it was a necessary step to improve the team’s performance.
It’s worth noting that the Steelers have a long history of valuing organizational loyalty and stability. They’ve had only three head coaches since 1969 and have had quarterback Ben Roethlisberger under center for 17 seasons. Firing a coach midseason is a rarity for the franchise, but it speaks to the urgency to turn things around.
The firing of Canada also puts the spotlight on young quarterback Kenny Pickett. Pickett has shown promise, but his play has been inconsistent. Some believe that he may have been hindered by Canada’s offensive system, which limited his ability to make deep passes and utilize his full potential. With Canada out of the picture, Pickett now has an opportunity to shine and prove himself.
The Steelers’ decision to part ways with Canada is a clear indication that they are willing to make changes in order to improve their offense. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the team is taking a proactive approach to address their struggles. Whether this move will pay off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain – the Steelers are not willing to settle for mediocrity.