Steelers may have chosen the wrong coach in an impossible decision and now it's coming back to bite them
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense that started the year, is not the same as the defense of the last three games. Struggling migtly with issues that stem from coverage busts, missed assignments and communication issues, DC Teryl Austin has come under fire for his defense's mistakes as of late. That has lead some to question why […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers defense that started the year, is not the same as the defense of the last three games.
Struggling migtly with issues that stem from coverage busts, missed assignments and communication issues, DC Teryl Austin has come under fire for his defense's mistakes as of late.
That has lead some to question why the Steelers let a former HC, who is leading a Minnesota Vikings defense leave the building:
Should Pittsburgh have promoted Brian Flores?
Brian Flores has brought a multitude of things to the Vikings, but most importantly a brilliant mind and someone who could scheme against the high powered offenses of the NFC North. What he also brought was an extension of the player-focused culture the team has been building.
Things might not have worked out in Miami, but it's evident that Flores has learned from his experience both there and in Pittsburgh, where Mike Tomlin is one of the best in the world at handling a locker room.The other element that's been so crucial for the Vikings is the player empowerment.
As much as the defense is Flores', the players have a lot of ownership over it. That element paired with having very smart players that are a great fit is why the defense is so effective.
-Tyler Forness, A to Z Sports Minnesota
Look, did Teryl Austin deserve to be let go after last season? Or even now? Absolutely not. The team has struggled as of late, but it's the defense, which is the heart and sould of the team that looks problematic.
And while the Steelers knew Flores would be a hot commodity as a DC last offseason, they could have prompted him to co-defensive coordinator in Pittsburgh, just to combat the obvious brain drain that is plaguing the defense right now.
So it was an impossible decision. You can't hold a defensive mastermind hostage, and it would be wrong to let go of a DC that has coordinated one of the league's best units in recent years.
But if Brian Flores was still in Pittsburgh, the last three games would likely look a lot different.
Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly set to make the return to foreign nation during 2025 NFL season
A long-awaited homecoming.
