Steelers make creative in-house hire to replace Randy Fichtner

The Pittsburgh Steelers have found their new offensive coordinator and it’s a name the fanbase knows well. 

Randy Fichtner seemed destined to be let go following the implosion of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense. After starting the year off at 11-0, they were perhaps the worst-led offense to close out the season.

The Steelers are headed in a new direction following Fichtner’s departure.

Pittsburgh is expected to promote quarterbacks coach Matt Canada to the team’s new offensive coordinator, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Canada joined the staff last offseason after most recently serving as the offensive coordinator for the University of Maryland.

Canada’s time calling the shots is more than just one stop with the Terps. He’s also spent time as the offensive coordinator for LSU, Northern Illinois NC State, Wisconsin, Indiana and Pittsburgh, among others.

Was Canada the right call?

Depending on what Mike Tomlin’s plan is for the future, Canada could be a hit or a giant swing and a miss. According to multiple reports, Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is expected to return for the 2021 season.

There’s no telling if Steelers’ general manager Kevin Colbert will keep the 38-year-old quarterback following his 500-yard, four turnover evening against the Cleveland Browns in the Wild Card Round. Roethlisberger will be owed $41 million next season should the team keep his rights.

It feels as if the hiring of Canada means Roethlisberger will return to the Steel City in 2021. The offense will still have three prime receivers for his liking, but Canada must be willing to extend plays downfield. This season, Roethlisberger averaged a career-low with 6.3 yards per pass.

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Names like Pep Hamilton, Doug Pederson and Anthony Lynn all were considered on the shortlist this offseason. Lynn and Hamilton would have made sense should the Steelers be in the process of finding Roethlisberger’s heir. Both spent the past season with the Chargers, playing an essential role in the success of rookie sensation Justin Herbert.

Canada isn’t the worst hire should Roethlisberger return to prime form. If not, this could be a one-year wonder just to get Roethlisberger off the books.