Steelers set to promote QB coach Matt Canada to offensive coordinator, report says

Matt Canada, the Steelers quarterback coach for the 2020 season, is expected to replace Randy Fichtner as Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Canada recently interviewed the Dolphins, who are looking for a new coordinator after Chan Gailey retires.

The 48-year-old Canada spent 25 years in college before joining the Pittsburgh staff last season. Canada was instrumental in Pittsburgh’s offensive success in 2020; it has been recognized for helping to incorporate more pre-snap movements and jet sweeps. Ben Roethlisberger also accelerated his release while executing a quick and swift attacking attack. Pittsburgh’s early offensive success helped the Steelers start 11-0 before losing five of their last six games. The Steelers’ runoff attack in 32nd at least partially contributed to Pittsburgh’s late-season collapse, and it’s a problem Canada will look to address in 2021.

News of Canada’s expected promotion likely increases the odds that Roethlisberger will be back for an 18th season. According to Mike Garofolo of the NFL Network, the Steelers’ organization is increasingly optimistic about Roethlisberger’s return in 2021. Roethlisberger has one year left on his current contract, a contract that may need to be restructured given his cap age 21 is currently $ 41 million.

While the Steelers offense could lose linemen Alejandro Villanueva and Matt Feiler, wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster and James Conner in free agency, guards David DeCastro and Kevin Dotson, take on Zach Banner and Chukwuma Okorafor, center Maurkice Pouncey, receivers Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, James Washington and tight end Eric Ebron are still under contract.

After years of spending first-round picks on defense, the Steelers can use the 24th overall pick in the 2021 draft on the offensive side of the ball. CBS Sports NFL Draft Analyst Ryan Wilson has the Steelers draft Virginia Tech lineman Christian Darrisaw. Josh Edwards, draft analyst, asks Pittsburgh to take on Jalen Mayfield from Michigan.