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When it comes to the hiring process, the Pittsburgh Steelers have been behind the curve. With the AFC and NFC Championship games now in the rear view mirror, the vast majority of the National Football League has done their diligence in filling out their coaching staff.
But not the Steelers.
The Steelers entered the offseason with four coaching vacancies, and up until Monday they still had those four openings available. Early Monday afternoon the team hired Alfredo Roberts as their tight end coach, and it looks as if they have finally decided on who will be calling the plays for the foreseeable future.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, that would be none other than Matt Canada.
The #Steelers are finalizing a deal with Matt Canada to become their offensive coordinator, per source. Deal is considered imminent.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 25, 2021
Canada’s promotion from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator will be a significant one, but still leaves the team with several questions heading into the new league year.
Will the Steelers hire a quarterbacks coach to replace Canada’s old position?
Will Ben Roethlisberger be returning now that he at least has one year with Canada in 2020?
Who will Canada bring in as the offensive line coach?
What will Canada’s approach be to the 2021 NFL Draft?
All questions which will only be answered with time, and Canada will need to take a crash course on the professional game as he will be tasked with these responsibilities for the first time in his career.
The Steelers brining in Roberts and promoting Canada means they still have to fill the positions of secondary coach, offensive line coach and quarterbacks coach. Teryl Austin also interviewed with the Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator position, and if he is hired the team would likely have to consider filling his role as well.
This is just the start of what could be a crazy offseason for the Steelers, so be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and note surrounding the team as they prepare for NFL Free Agency, the new league year and of course the 2021 NFL Draft.
UPDATE:
The Steelers have made the move official.
We have promoted Matt Canada to offensive coordinator.
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 25, 2021
On top of the news of Canada’s promotion becoming official, it is also being reported the Steelers are going to fill Canada’s previous role as quarterbacks coach. This is contrary to what the team did with Randy Fichtner when he was awarded the offensive coordinator job in 2018. Fichtner absorbed both positions until Canada’s hiring in 2020.
This per Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:
Canada will not remain as QB coach. Steelers will hire someone for that position.
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) January 25, 2021