Mike Tomlin speaks out after firing Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada
Mike Tomlin doesn’t fire coaches in the middle of the season. That’s not the Steelers way. But he did so Tuesday in terminating offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
Tomlin said in firing Canada, he didn’t want to deflect in any way. The Steelers are 6-4. But the offense remains one of the weakest in the NFL.
“I did not come to this decision lightly … it’s my role to absorb and protect those that I work with,” Tomlin told reporters at his weekly press conference. “This doesn’t feel like that. I’m not assigning blame or deflecting in any way. … just rest assured that this decision was not taken lightly. I’ve got a lot of respect for Matt personally and professionally.”
The Steelers announced Canada’s firing early Tuesday. Tomlin offered a statement to the media explaining his situation. Then he addressed the issue at his normal weekly presser he typically uses to discuss personnel and the upcoming opponent.
He also shared news with who will not be in charge of the Steelers offense. Running backs coach Eddie Faulkner will be the new offensive coordinator. However, quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan will call plays.
Tomlin didn’t get chance to tell Steelers players about Canada
Tomlin conceded that he hadn’t had the chance to tell quarterback Kenny Pickett or the team about Canada’s departure. He said the Steelers players probably learned of it through the media. But it probably wasn’t a surprise. It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh offense had issues and that fans across the country clamored for Canada’s termination.
Tomlin said he promoted Faulkner because “he has as steady voice and demeanor. … I love the way he’s managed his room. He’s natural with people from a communication standpoint and consistency standpoint.”
The Steelers’ offensive problems are well documented. The team has a 6-4 record, despite each opponent outgained on the schedule outgaining them. That’s happened to 33 other teams in NFL history. But this year’s team is the only one who has flailed so poorly on offense and still maintained a winning record.
Reports out of Pittsburgh suggest that Tomlin wasn’t pleased with the development of Pickett, the second-year quarterback. That’s because Pickett’s game appears to have regressed. He threw for only 106 yards in last Sunday’s 13-10 loss at Cleveland. And he’s thrown for one touchdown in his five games, combined.
The Steelers have a favorable schedule for a playoff run. However, they missed an opportunity to stay a game behind the Ravens in the AFC North by falling to the Browns. Cleveland started rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback. But the offense could generate only 10 points.
Next up is the Bengals. Cincinnati is reeling from the loss of quarterback Joe Burrow to a wrist injury. It remains to be seen whether the Steelers can take advantage. Jake Browning is starting for the Bengals. So can the Steelers offense outscore the other team with the backup quarterback?