Mike Tomlin reveals plan for new offensive coordinator search

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking outside the organization for the team’s next offensive coordinator, head coach Mike Tomlin revealed to reporters on Thursday during his end-of-season press conference. Since firing offensive coordinator Matt Canada in late November, the team moved running backs coach Eddie Faulkner into the role of interim OC.

Now that the 2023 season is done, Tomlin is on the hunt for a new play-caller. He said on Thursday that Faulker and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan would not be considered for promotion. The Steelers offense put up 17 points in the loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round.

Under Matt Canada, the Steelers were the first team in NFL history to be out-gained on offense in the first eight games of the season, and still have a winning record. Despite having a history of keeping coaches through the full slate of games, Tomlin chose to fire the coordinator in the middle of the season due to the offense’s performances.

To end the year, Pittsburgh had the No. 28-ranked offense, scoring just 17.8 points per game. The offense was 11th in rushing yards per game (117) but 25th in passing yards per game (187.8). They were also in the bottom 10 teams in red zone success, scoring touchdowns on just 48.8% of red zone trips.

Tomlin era rolls on in Pittsburgh

While Mike Tomlin’s never had a losing season while leading the Steelers, the organization hasn’t made it past the Wildcard Round of the NFL Playoffs since 2017. The team saw their season come to an end on Monday with the 31-17 loss at Buffalo in the AFC Wild Card.

The Pittsburgh Steelers were not willing to force their long-time head coach out the door following their playoff loss this week. They left the decision up to Tomlin whether he wanted to continue with the organization or make a fresh start elsewhere. This week, he told his players he didn’t intend to leave.

Tomlin also revealed during a press conference on Thursday that QB Kenny Pickett will have competition at quarterback ahead of the 2024 season.

“You know, he will [be QB1], but obviously there will be competition. There’s always competition in this thing. We don’t anoint anyone,” the head coach said. “Man, I’m appreciative of his efforts and where he is and excited about continuing to work with him, but certainly, he will be challenged from a competition perspective moving forward. Competition brings out the best in all of us.”