The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t changed their head coach or coordinator mid-season since 1941. That changed on Tuesday when the franchise announced it had fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
The usually patient Steelers made a change after it became clear their struggling offense might cost them a playoff spot in the crowded AFC North down the stretch. The Steelers are currently 6-4 but that has been mostly thanks to their outstanding defense.
On offense, they are at the bottom of the league including 28th in both points per game (16.6) and yards per game (280.1). They have especially struggled in the passing game, averaging 170.0 passing yards per game, which is second-worst mark among 32 teams.
“I appreciate Matt’s hard work and dedication and I wish him the best moving forward in his career,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in a statement shared by the team.
Tomlin didn’t share who will replace Canada. However, the expectation around the league is that quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan steps in as the new OC, at least until the end of the season. Sullivan previously served in this role with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Giants.
Matt Canada leaves the Steelers after a little less than four years with the organization. He was originally brought in as a quarterbacks coach before being promoted to OC following Randy Fichtner’s departure. Canada spent the majority of his coaching career in college football and time with the Steelers was his first NFL experience.
