Three reasons why the Steelers should retain Matt Canada as offensive coordinator

Randy Fichtner was the scape goat when the 2020 Steelers collapsed after an 11-0 start. Never mind the fact that the Steelers were gassed going into the playoffs after being forced to play three games in 12 days. Never mind the fact that Bud Dupree had suffered a season-ending injury and the Steelers didn’t have an Alex Highsmith on the roster just yet. Never mind the fact that Ben Roethlisberger’s arm was tiring in his first year back from major surgery. 

None of it mattered to a large vocal majority of Steelers fans, who decided that Fichtner was the main reason for the Steelers’ 1-5 finish and early playoff exit after a loss to Cleveland. In a twist of irony, those same fans are now calling for Fichtner’s replacement, Matt Canada, to suffer the same fate as his boss two short years later. The Steelers appeased their fans with Fichtner, and they may do it again with Canada. 

It was a mistake to let Fichtner go then, and it probably would be a mistake to fire Canada now after just two seasons on the job. Yes, I’m aware of the warranted criticism that has been thrown Canada’s way, including Germaine Pratt’s Week 13 comments about the Steelers’ offense being predictable and reports that Roethlisberger scrapped the game plan late in games during his final season. 

Canada’s offense has had its shortcomings, but does that mean a change should made this offseason? Here are three reasons why Canada should get another year in Pittsburgh. 

Improvement down the stretch 

Bill Parcells is famous for saying, “You are what your record says you are.” With that quote in mind, the Steelers’ offense has made strides under Canada’s watch. Pittsburgh was last in the NFL in rushing and 14th…