Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Says Mediocre Coaching Is Pittsburgh's Main Issue

The Pittsburgh Steelers won a thrilling 26-22 Week 2 game against the Cleveland Browns, earning their first win of the 2023 season. The game had many ups and downs, as the defense generated six sacks, three recovered fumbles, and a pick-six. Pittsburgh's offense only put up one touchdown in the contest, and many are becoming increasingly frustrated with the offensive play-calling. Head Coach Mike Tomlin seems to agree and is ready to put the blame on the coaching staff, not the players themselves. 

Even with only two games played in the 2023 season, the Steelers offense is starting to become a concern. They looked dominant during the preseason, scoring 24+ games in all three contests and going undefeated. During Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh put up a measly 7 points, only scoring on a two-minute drill offense before halftime, which doesn't have as much input from Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada as normal four-down plays. Once again, the Steelers could only tally one offensive touchdown against the Browns, with the defense outscoring the offense two touchdowns to one.

Tomlin stated in a presser Tuesday afternoon that the players are not to blame for the continued lackluster performances, but the coaching need to step up and help the team perform at their expectations and capabilities. 

"Offensively, we have to get our mojo back. We're not getting the type of fluidity that we want. Obviously, it starts with coaching. We have to coach better. We have to play more coordinated."

Tomlin then goes on to highlight deeper problems within the coaching staff, stating that they need to be able to find different schematics in teams, study them, and get better at predicting what those teams will do. Tomlin notices that without that identification, he and his coaching staff might not look prepared to coach correctly.

"We have to anticipate schematics of those that we play against. Displaying anticipation is a component of preparedness."

The offensive coaching has been the biggest problem the Steelers have faced so far in the season, struggling to achieve something as simple as positive yard runs or first downs. Pittsburgh only totaled nine first downs in Week 2, barely being able to move the ball effectively, and their only touchdown was a 71-yard throw from Kenny Pickett to George Pickens. The Steelers haven't had a game in which they scored a touchdown on more than one offensive possession, leading to heavy scrutiny and the calling to fire Canada. It has gotten so bad that the entire crowd at Acrisure Stadium started a "Fire [Matt] Canada" chant as the offense continued to sputter. 

Canada has seen nothing but negativity since he came to Pittsburgh, as every Steelers offense he has coached has underperformed. Canada seemed to be comfortable during the preseason, letting his players find their groove and opening the playbook completely to allow multiple different offensive looks. Now in the regular season, Canada has reverted to his predictable self, effectively ruining all confidence the offensive playmakers had. While Tomlin never singled out Canada or the offense, it's clear that they were the target when he commented about poor coaching. The Steelers defense looked more dominant than ever, forcing four turnovers, sacking Deshaun Watson six times, and scoring two touchdowns. The offense was the only ineffective unit for Pittsburgh in Week 2, and Tomlin is ready to take action to fix it. 

What Will The Steelers Do?

Tomlin also stated in his press conference that he's not ready to take any big steps against the coaching staff, so Canada's job is safe for the time being. However, Canada's offensive scheme has been so ineffective, the Steelers are in the bottom five in rushing yards per game, points per game, first downs, and interceptions thrown. Canada will continue to be on the hot seat, at least by the fans' standards, for the rest of the 2023 season. Major changes need to come for Pittsburgh's offense to become elite once again, and hopefully, they come soon.