I don't think there are any Pittsburgh Steelers fans who want offensive coordinator Matt Canada to return in 2023.

But just in case there are some fans out there that think he should return, some comments from rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett this week might change your mind.

Pickett was asked about his relationship with Canada from his days as a high school recruit.

Canada was the offensive coordinator at Pittsburgh in 2016 when Pickett was a recruit.

"I just think we connected, like you said, pretty early on in high school, and we have a really good relationship where we can talk about pretty much anything," said Pickett. "We're open and honest on what I see, and he asks me all the time. I think that open line of communication is just going to continue to improve and he's very open to suggestions that we all have as players or staff. It's a collective effort, and it's definitely cool to have an OC that's open to that and not just kind of closed-minded. So, it's a pretty good relationship that he has with all of us."

Pretty glowing comments, right?

It's clear Pickett has a good personal relationship with Canada. But personal relationships don't win football games.

And it's what Pickett said in a follow-up question that should be concerning.

Reporter: "Are you guys philosophically similar? Do you like to play the way he likes to coach, and vice versa?"

Pickett: "I don’t know. It’s a good relationship. That’s all I know."

Pickett doesn't know if his philosophy is similar to Canada's? And he doesn't know if he likes to play the way Canada coaches?

The answer to both of those questions, if we're reading between the lines, is probably no.

Pickett is wise to be diplomatic with his responses. But I think his true feelings inadvertently leaked out in his second response.

If Canada is back next year, it'll be a travesty. And it'll set the franchise, and Pickett's development, back years.

There's just no way he can return to the Steelers next season.

Featured image via Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports