After public outcries from their fanbase all season long, the Pittsburgh Steelers finally broke away from tradition when it comes to firing coaches during the season by ending their relationship with offensive coordinator Matt Canada on Tuesday.
While the Steelers are in the thick of the playoff chase this season, the 6-4 team is not one that is striking fear in the hearts of opponents on both sides of the ball. Like many teams in the franchise’s history, the Steelers again have a top-10 defense they have leaned on to get them victories this season.
Related: Pittsburgh Steelers ignore fan demands, actually give Matt Canada an expanded role
However, they have had to rely on the defense more than in years past because their offense has been the source of a great deal of frustration this year. Despite a finish to 2022 that showed promise of what could come in quarterback Kenny Pickett’s second season, the Pittsburgh offense is one of the worst in the NFL in 2023.
They are in the bottom five of not only total yards per game (280.1) but also points each week (16.6). They were also outgained by their opponents in every single game this season. Furthermore, Pickett has also seemingly regressed in ways with his completion percentage and QB rating both down notably in 2023.
However, while the players’ execution deserves blame, many around the organization and league feel Canada has been the biggest hindrance to the unit’s growth.
Pittsburgh Steelers fire Matt Canada after 10-point showing in Week 11
On several occasions this season there have been chants of “Fire Matt Canada” that have rung out at Steelers home games. However, head coach Mike Tomlin has tuned out those complaints and consistently threw his support behind the 51-year-old. Well, it seems the offense’s 10-point showing in a bad loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 11 was finally the last straw.
On Tuesday morning, the organization officially announced that Canada’s tenure with the franchise is over. The Steelers dismissing coaches during the season is a true rarity. In fact, it’s the first time the franchise has fired a coach during a season since 1941, when part-owner and coach Bert Bell fired himself. But the move is a strong show of how frustrating those inside the franchise have grown with Canada’s performance this season.
Related: Super Bowl-winning player and coach reportedly interested in Pittsburgh Steelers coordinator job
“Matt Canada has been relieved of his duties as offensive coordinator. I appreciate Matt’s hard work and dedication, and I wish him the best moving forward in his career,” Tomlin said in a statement.
The person calling the plays for the Pittsburgh offense in Week 12 versus the Cincinnati Bengals has not yet been announced.
Canada’s firing is the second notable offensive coordinator dismissal after the Buffalo Bills cut ties with their OC Ken Dorsey after a frustrating defeat to the Broncos in Week 10. Canada previously served as the team’s quarterback coach before being elevated to the coordinator spot in 2021.