Report states the Steelers met with Hue Jackson for vacant offensive coordinator position

The Pittsburgh Steelers were thought to have their man for the vacant offensive coordinator job. That man was Matt Canada, who served as the team’s quarterbacks coach in 2020. Shortly after those reports circulated, other reports stated fans should pump the brakes before wishing Canada congratulations on the promotion.

Instead, it seemed as if the Steelers still had other candidates to interview, not only to abide by the league’s Rooney Rule, but also to ensure they are finding the man they feel is right for the job.

The latest names attached to the vacant coordinator role was none other than former Cincinnati Bengals coordinator and Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson.

This per Dianna Russini of ESPN:

Most would suggest Jackson, for all his short comings as a head coach, is a tremendous coordinator. His work in the league in multiple systems speaks for itself, but most remember him strictly for his failing attempts as a head coach.

Jackson began his coaching career in the season immediately following his senior year as quarterback at the University of the Pacific. After three years as a graduate assistant, Jackson continued in the college ranks and a number of colleges including Arizona State, Cal, and USC.

Making the jump to the NFL in 2001 as the running backs coach for the Washington Redskins, Jackson became the offensive coordinator in Washington in 2003. After three seasons as the wide receivers coach in Cincinnati from 2004 to 2006, Jackson was the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive coordinator for a season in 2007 before going to Baltimore as the Ravens’ quarterbacks coach for two seasons. Jackson then moved onto the Oakland Raiders first as coordinator and then head coach before returning to the Cincinnati Bengals as an assistant in 2012. Jackson was promoted to the Bengals offensive coordinator for 2014 and 2015 before serving as the Cleveland Browns head coach for three seasons from 2016 to 2018. When Jackson was fired mid season after a loss to the Steelers, he became a special assistant to the head coach for the Bengals to finish the year.

The Steelers interviewing Jackson shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone, and there are likely other candidates who have, or will be, interviewed as well. Whether those candidates are made public has yet to be seen.

In the meantime, be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black and gold as they prepare for the new league year, NFL Free Agency and the 2021 NFL Draft.