Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada was on the hot seat, at least in the eyes of fans, last season but he was retained and begins his third season as OC on Sunday against San Francisco.
Many wanted to see Canada gone, pointing to the Steelers averaging only a little over 18 points a game last season.
You could make some arguments for Canada. In his first season as OC, he had to adjust his game plan around a 39-year-old Ben Roethlisberger.
Last season he had a rookie in Kenny Pickett.
Another thing, Head Coach Mike Tomlin indicated they wanted to protect the ball on offense and win games but not losing the ball to turnovers, relying more on their defense.
It’s only been three preseason games, but the Steelers seem to be taking more chances on offense so far and appear to be trusting Pickett more going into year two.
If Pickett makes a big leap in year two, that is going to make Canada look good.
Mike Florio, with Pro Football Talk, tells The PM Team Canada will get more of the credit over Tomlin since people see the Steelers Head Coach as more defensive minded.
Florio adds if Pickett is successful, that could mean owners looking for a head coach could be knocking on Canada’s door.
A Florio points out, when a quarterback’s game improves, coaches also get the credit.