If Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin were advertising for a new offensive coordinator, his message might read:
“Applicants without prior NFL coordinating experience need not submit.”
During his end-of-season press conference on Thursday, Tomlin expressed his preference for a new offensive coordinator with prior experience in coordinating at the NFL level, a qualification that neither Matt Canada nor Randy Fichtner possessed when they were promoted to the position.
Interim coordinator Eddie Faulkner and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan, despite the latter’s previous coordinating experience and play-calling in the final seven games, are not currently being considered. Tomlin acknowledged their contributions but specified, “I’m looking at outside candidates and lining up the pecking order there.”
Tomlin revealed that he is considering external candidates for the role, a departure from the Steelers’ recent trend of promoting from within. The last time they hired an offensive coordinator from outside the organization was Todd Haley in February 2012. Tomlin expressed enthusiasm about the process, stating, “I’m excited about this process and the talent pool out there. I’m open to learning through this process and see what people have to say about their visions.”
While Tomlin traditionally has the final say in coaching hires, he mentioned that team president Art Rooney II and general manager Omar Khan would assist in the search.
The decision to part ways with Canada in November, midway through his third season, led to Faulkner, the running backs coach, taking over as interim coordinator, with Sullivan, the quarterbacks coach, calling plays in the remaining games. The Steelers’ offensive performance improved in the last seven games, with an average of 19.7 points per game, compared to 16.6 points per game in the 10 games before Canada’s dismissal.
Tomlin emphasized his desire for a versatile and dynamic offense that can score more points and keep opposing defenses off balance. He also highlighted that the new hire would be selected with quarterback Kenny Pickett’s development in mind. Pickett, who was sidelined due to an ankle injury in early December, will enter the offseason as the starter but will have to compete for his position.
Acknowledging the quarterback’s pivotal role in the game, Tomlin stressed, “This game is quarterback-driven. Offenses are quarterback-driven. So their expertise in that area is a significant component of the search, from my perspective.”
Tomlin hinted at potential changes to the defensive staff as well, despite the Steelers finishing sixth in points allowed at 19.1 per game. The team ranked 21st in yards allowed, surrendering an average of 342 per game. Tomlin concluded, “Things never stay the same.”
