Steelers reportedly turn down consulting role for former QB Byron Leftwich

The Pittsburgh Steeler offense seemingly needs all the help it can get when it comes to playcalling, scheme, and design. So one would assume that when a former player, who also happens to be Super Bowl Champion as an offensive coordinator comes calling, you would answer. But you know what they say about assumptions: Thanks […]

Rob Gregson — NFL News Writer

Oct 10, 2023 11:55 AM EDT

November 18, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich (4) passes under pressure from Baltimore Ravens strong safety Bernard Pollard (31) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Baltimore Ravens won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports — Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steeler offense seemingly needs all the help it can get when it comes to playcalling, scheme, and design.

So one would assume that when a former player, who also happens to be Super Bowl Champion as an offensive coordinator comes calling, you would answer.

But you know what they say about assumptions:

Thanks But No Thanks

#Steelers Insider @MarkKaboly says he's heard that Byron Leftwich has reached out to the Steelers about being an offensive consultant but that the Steelers are more or less "ignoring him."
— Adam Crowley (@_adamcrowley) October 9, 2023

First reported by Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, former Steelers QB Byron Leftwich thinks he can add a thing or two to the offense in Pittsburgh, but they don't seem to agree.

Now, this a tricky situation for multiple reasons. Let's say the Steelers did want to bring in Leftwich. Well, it's unlikely that they would fire Canada, something we gained even more clarity on after the Baltimore game.

So now the team would have a PR nightmare on their hands, as the speculation surrounding who's calling plays and designing the offense would only add to the distraction that the OC position has become in Pittsburgh.

There's also a chance that Pittsburgh just isn't interested. Sure it makes sense on paper, seeing as he is a former first-round pick, QB for the Steelers and Super Bowl Champion, but there's some controversy surrounding the latter.

Leftwich was the titled offensive coordinator on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers team that won the 2020-2021 Super Bowl. But that team was coached by offensive guru Bruce Arians and quarterbacked by Tom Brady, meaning his input surely wasn't as prevalent as it may seem.

And when he was finally handed the reigns, released from the Arian's shadow, he and the offense, well didn't look the same to put it nicely. The Bucs finished with a significant drop in scoring compared to when Arians was running things, and looked like a shell of the offense that won it all just two years prior.

So maybe it's bad timing, bad optics, or just not the right fit. But it's probably some combination of the trio, with Leftwich on the outside looking in.