The offensive woes of the Pittsburgh Steelers were on full display again this past Sunday.
The team failed to move the chains during their Week 8 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, with the fans and analysts once again asking for the departure of offensive coordinator Matt Canada.
The offensive coordinator’s job has been questioned over and over — even after wins — and rightfully so, as the Steelers offense has been predictable, stagnant, and lacking creativity.
Even so, given Pittsburgh’s track record of not making drastic changes mid-season, it’s highly unlikely that they’re going to move on from Canada any time soon.
Nonetheless, if that were to happen, or even if it happens in the offseason, it seems like Steelers legend Ben Roethlisberger already has the perfect candidate to replace him.
In the latest episode of his “Footbahlin” podcast, Big Ben advocated for Byron Leftwich to take the reins if they fire Canada (via Blitzburgh on Twitter).
Ben Roethlisberger endorses Byron Leftwich as OC: “I’m never one to criticize, fire this guy, and get this guy there. I think if the team was to move on from Matt, I would love to see Byron Leftwich come in here and be the OC. He was here. He’s played under Coach Tomlin. He…
— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) October 31, 2023
Roethlisberger likes what Leftwich did with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he also likes the fact that he already played for head coach Mike Tomlin and knows what Steelers culture is about.
There were some rumors about Leftwich reaching out to the Steelers to serve as an offensive consultant earlier in the offseason, but to no avail.
He’s come with Super Bowl-winning experience, and while Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett is no Tom Brady, Leftwich did help orchestrate one of the league’s most explosive offenses during his time in the NFC South.
Also, all things considered, it’s hard to think he could do any worse, especially after watching the team put up just 10 points against the Jaguars.
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