Ben Roethlisberger backs candidate for next Steelers OC

Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada has been highly criticized and many believe he will no longer hold the position following this season. If that is the case, Ben Roethlisberger gave his endorsement for who should be the team's next OC.

"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," Roethlisberger said on his podcast, "Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger." "He was here. He's played under Coach Tomlin. He understands what it is to be a Steeler. I think he is a great OC. I would love to see Byron get the job."

Leftwich, who was the offensive coordinator of the Buccaneers from 2019-22, won Super Bowl LV with Tampa Bay and Super Bowl XLIII with Pittsburgh, backing up Roethlisberger. 

It makes sense Roethlisberger would endorse Leftwich as the two spent several years playing together for the Steelers. But it's his football IQ and professionalism that have been consistently praised and what led to him coaching following his playing career.

Leftwich would likely be interested in the position as he reportedly "reached out" to Pittsburgh about being an offensive consultant earlier this season, but the team more or less "ignored him."

Under Canada, the offense ranks as the third worst in total yards per game (271.7) and fourth worst in points per game (16.1) in the league this year. 

A change at offensive coordinator, whether it's this season or in the offseason, is a must.

The Steelers love having ties to former players. Adding Leftwich to their coaching staff would only add to that.

For now, Canada's struggling offense will next be put to the test on "Thursday Night Football" when Pittsburgh hosts the Titans (3-4), who are allowing just 20 points per game.