When Mike Tomlin announced Tuesday morning that the Steelers were firing offensive coordinator Matt Canada, his decision did not include an extravagant plan for the long-term outlook of quarterback Kenny Pickett.
The Steelers’ offensive struggles have been on full display this season and Sunday’s 13–10 loss to the Browns only added fuel to Pittsburgh’s dumpster fire on offense. As the Steelers prepare to face the Bengals in a pivotal AFC North clash in Week 12, Tomlin delivered an odd depiction for his mindset on Pickett’s development while also keeping the focus on Pittsburgh winning games to position itself for a spot in the playoffs.
“Man, I’m focused on this week in terms of the development of Kenny [Pickett],” Tomlin said. “We’re not urinating on the fire, man. We are getting ready to play a football game and win this week. That is the only agenda here. It’s not big picture and 2024 and all of that. This organization is not wired like that.”
With Canada’s departure, quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan and running backs coach Eddie Faulkner will work together to lead the Steelers’ offense in the final seven games. Currently, Pittsburgh is tied for the second-worst mark in the league in total touchdowns (15) with the Patriots and Titans.
The franchise also sits near the bottom of the league in points, total offense and passing yards per game this season. Cincinnati will host Pittsburgh at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.
