Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Matt Canada has heard and recognizes frustrations from the fan base over the offense led by play-caller Matt Canada. With Pittsburgh fading down the NFL standings, it appears the franchise is at least open to making an eventual change.
The Steelers have had one of the NFL’s worst offenses in 2023. Entering NFL games today, Pittsburgh is averaging the fewest first downs per game (13.3) and it has the fewest red-zone scoring attempts per week (1.3).
Related: Pittsburgh Steelers make decision on Matt Canada’s future
- Pittsburgh Steelers offense stats: 15.5 points per game (25th), 4.6 yards per play (27th), 36.21% third-down conversion rate (21st), 205.3 gross passing yards per game (24th), 7.69% sack rate (20th in NFL)
The offensive issues have led to fans becoming increasingly disgruntled at the repeated woes experienced since Canada became the play-caller. Tomlin supported the fans’ rights to chant for Canada to be fired in September then said after a Week 4 loss that changes were coming to the team.
However, Canada remains the play-caller heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. While he remains in charge of the offense, though, there is reportedly a growing sense of frustration in Pittsburgh.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, there are already conversations around the NFL and close to the Steelers’ organization that Canada’s seat is heating up. If Pittsburgh’s offense doesn’t turn around quickly, it’s possible rare in-season changes could be made.
Even after Tomlin said following the 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans that changes were coming, it was never realistic to expect Canada to be fired. With NFL teams limited to three practice days in a week, it would’ve given the new offensive coordinator very limited time to work with the team and implement their own changes.
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Circumstances change after Sunday. Following the Week 5 matchup, Pittsburgh heads into its bye week. It would provide Tomlin with the perfect opportunity to move Canada away from play-calling, allowing someone else to take the reigns of this struggling offense.
By making the move in Week 6, Pittsburgh could use the next two weeks to make significant tweaks to its system and there could be a smoother transition to the interim offensive coordinator. However, the Steelers’ history of rarely making in-season changes to the coaching staff still suggests Canada might stick around for the remainder of the season.
