Reporter thinks Steelers could add former offensive coordinator to coaching staff
Could the Pittsburgh Steelers be adding a former offensive coordinator to their coaching staff? The Athletic's Mark Kaboly thinks it could be a possibility. A reader asked Kaboly in his weekly mailbag if there's a chance that former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich lands on Pittsburgh's staff in some capacity this offseason. "I […]
Could the Pittsburgh Steelers be adding a former offensive coordinator to their coaching staff?
The Athletic's Mark Kaboly thinks it could be a possibility.
A reader asked Kaboly in his weekly mailbag if there's a chance that former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich lands on Pittsburgh's staff in some capacity this offseason.
"I think there is a legitimate chance," wrote Kaboly in response. "Leftwich played here, Tomlin loves him and Canada is in the final year of his contract. A coordinator-in-waiting on the staff seems to be what Tomlin likes with Teryl Austin and Canada hired and eventually being promoted."
This would make a lot of sense. Leftwich has a connection with Mike Tomlin via his three years with the Steelers at the end of his playing career.
And with Matt Canada likely not coming back after 2023, it would give the Steelers an in-house option to promote to offensive coordinator.
Having Leftwich on staff in some capacity in 2023 would allow for some continuity between himself and quarterback Kenny Pickett. Leftwich's offense would obviously be different than Canada's, but at least there would be a year of working together before Leftwich takes over. Leftwich and Pickett could get familiar with each other this upcoming season which would allow for a seamless transition in 2024.
I know Leftwich was fired from Tampa Bay, but it wasn't that long ago that he was a hot head coaching candidate. I wouldn't let what happened with the Bucs — which wasn't a great situation in 2022 — impact the view of Leftwich too much.
Featured image via Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports
