Jon Gruden As The Steelers Offensive Coordinator 'Would Be The Perfect Choice' According To Insider

Pittsburgh Steelers fans are tired of hearing the name Matt Canada at this point in 2023. Heading into Week 5, the team is collectively one of the worst units in the NFL and there isn't much hope for it to get any better. The offensive line is way out of sync, playmakers are injured all over the place and the play-caller has yet to make an adjustment to professional football in his third season at the helm. It seems almost impossible at this point for Canada to be retained at the end of the 2023 season, if he is even able to make it until January. His approach has been called "sickening."

Many wanted Pittsburgh to get rid of Canada after the 2022 season, but he was retained, and one of the main reasons why was believed to be related to not disrupting the development of Kenny Pickett. Well, the now second-year quarterback has not necessarily showed incredible improvement and it seems like the offensive scheme in place is not set up for success.

Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette hosted a fan chat on Wednesday and received plenty of questions surrounding the team's struggles up to this point in 2023. A fan commented about the coaching staff and wrote that the whole group needs to be fired. Controversial former coach, Jon Gruden was brought up and Dulac doesn't believe he should be the head guy, but it wouldn't be the worst thing in the world to bring him in as the offensive play-caller.

"I thought Gruden -- Tomlin's friend -- would be the perfect choice for OC."

Gruden has not coached in the NFL since 2021 after he resigned as the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. The New York Times reported that he had sent several homophobic and misogynistic emails over a seven-year period.

Dulac was quick to note, however, it would probably be an extremely questionable hire due to his recent history and that's why the Steelers would most likely elect to stay away from him.

"But, I think he might be a little toxic to hire," Dulac wrote.

Gruden has a ton of NFL experience and has a Super Bowl Championship on his resume when he led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back in 2003. His last job with the title of offensive coordinator, however, was in 1997 with the Philadelphia Eagles. 

He returned to the NFL in 2018 after a 10-year absence from the sidelines. It didn't last very long and the Raiders didn't have a winning season from 2018 to 2020. He left in the middle of the season in 2021 when the organization sat at 3-2. Gruden and Tomlin are known to have a relationship as Gruden was recognized as a mentor for the Steelers head coach. Tomlin commented back in 2021 when the entire situation unfolded.

"I'm just saddened by it. I'm saddened for the Raiders organization, I'm saddened for the people that were offended by it, I'm saddened for Coach Gruden. It's a sad commentary. And that's really the only opinion that I care to share at this juncture."

Tomlin is known to be a loyal guy (if Canada still having a job doesn't prove that, who knows what else would?). If he truly wants to go outside the organization in 2024 for a play-caller, Gruden can't be ruled out if Tomlin is looking to help him redeem himself.

The Steelers And Tomlin Have Several Decisions To Make During Week 6 Bye

No one is suggesting Tomlin will fire Canada after the team's Week 5 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. If he does, the likely interim would be quarterbacks coach, Mike Sullivan. Nothing seems to be working offensively and if the team doesn't look to make a change soon in 2023, there is almost no doubt that there will be a new play-caller in 2024. Could it be Gruden?