Steelers' newest hire may spell trouble for Matt Canada
The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for their loyalty when it comes to personnel. A team with only three head coaches since the start of the Super Bowl era, they believe in continuity. The same can't be said for offensive coordinator, a title that has seen numerous names over the past two decades including Bruce Arians, […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers are known for their loyalty when it comes to personnel. A team with only three head coaches since the start of the Super Bowl era, they believe in continuity.
The same can't be said for offensive coordinator, a title that has seen numerous names over the past two decades including Bruce Arians, Ken Whisenhunt, and Todd Haley.
Matt Canada is the latest to hold the role, but many in and around Pittsburgh don't approve of his offensive scheme and were somewhat upset when the team didn't part ways with Canada after the season. Well, their newest hire may point to some foreshadowing.
Per the Pittsburgh Steelers' official Twitter account, the team has hired Glenn Thomas to be their new offensive assistant coach.
Here's a little background on Thomas from the Steeler's official press release:
Thomas brings 20 plus years of coaching to the Steelers on the NFL and collegiate levels combined. Thomas spent the 2022 season as the offensive coordinator at Arizona State. Prior to his stint at Arizona State, he was the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for two seasons at UNLV.
Thomas spent three seasons as the co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Baylor University. In 2019 the Bears went 11-2 with a No. 7 ranking before losing in the Sugar Bowl. During Thomas' three years at Baylor (2017-19), quarterback Charlie Brewer was developed into one of the top quarterbacks in school history, throwing 69 touchdowns in three seasons and being named a semifinalist for the 2019 Davey O'Brien Award.
Thomas spent two seasons, 2015-16, at Temple University as quarterbacks coach and then offensive coordinator, helping to lead the school to back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time. He also was on the coaching staff at Midwestern State from 2001-07.
In addition to his wealth of college experience, Thomas also coached in the NFL. He was the Atlanta Falcons quarterbacks coach for three seasons, after spending time as an offensive assistant with the team.
Now, this is likely nothing more than throwing another hat in the ring when it comes to offensive philosophy and game planning.
But a hire this late in the process, combined with the gloom that surrounds the current offensive coordinator is sure to raise some eyebrows.
As we near closer to the season, we should gain clarity on what exactly Thomas' role with the team will entail.
Then again, the Steelers tend to play things closer to the vest, so you may hear little about Thomas over the next few months.
And then boom… your next O.C. has been on the coaching roster the whole time.
