PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – It might be more than just adding an assistant coach, former NFL GM Doug Whaley said on the Fan Morning Show, the hiring of Glenn Thomas likely signals an offensive identity.
Whaley noted he's been saying for a couple of years the Steelers needed more of an identity on offense or really any identity. It was something echoed by Steelers players early last season about trying to find a calling-card for the offense.
Bringing in Thomas shows Whaley Mike Tomlin is going where several teams have in the last couple of years, seeing more of a college feel to a NFL offense.
"What it is triggering to me is there is going to be a lot more college influence on this offense of the Steelers than a pro influence," Whaley said during his weekly Wednesday appearance on the Fan Morning Show. "They are starting to acquiesce to let's get Kenny Pickett performing at a high level and the best way to do that is give him some concepts that he's familiar with and had success with in college."
Thomas had success as a play-caller in college, worked with NFL head coaches in college-Matt Rhule and Herm Edwards. He also had experience with Brian Billick as a part-time assistant with the Ravens and was big in helping Matt Ryan build his career in Atlanta.
Whaley says he'll bring new ideas and his ability to work with quarterbacks should only help Matt Canada and Mike Sullivan maximize the growth of Kenny Pickett. Canada has a reputation of not being able to work well with others and Whaley said if the Steelers offensive coordinator feels threatened by Thomas' hire, then it proves Canada is the wrong person for the job.
He said all should be working towards a common goal, not concerned about covering your back or worried about someone potentially taking your job.
What Whaley said is really important to know before truly judging the impact Thomas will have is what his role is. Will he have the input of a senior offensive assistant where he sits in all the meetings and his suggestions carry weight? Or will he be a lower-level assistant where he just provides data or opinion with no chance to attend those high-level, game-planning meetings?
Pickett in year two
Whaley was asked Wednesday where the Pickett can improve going into his second season.
"I think what you have to see is the continued growth of what he showed you in the second half of the season," Whaley said on the Fan Morning Show. "I want to see that growth against playoff contending teams. It was great that they had a schedule where they played the NFC South and were able to put some notches on the belt with that lessor caliber opponent. Now let's see that production against teams you will be facing in the playoffs."
"Also, that he's got total command not only of the offense, but the respect of the entire team. I think you are starting to see that. Where he is going to have that 'C' on his chest and everybody steps in that huddle in the fourth quarter and we've got that man, Kenny Pickett, and he's going to take us where we need to be."
