The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in familiar territory, once again facing changes in their coaching staff. This time, it's the wide receivers coach, Frisman Jackson, who's on the move as reported by Gerry Dulac.
With Jackson's departure imminent, speculation is rife among Steelers fans and media circles about his replacement. While many fans are rooting for former Steelers star wide receiver Hines Ward to step into the role, Dorin Dickerson, a former NFL tight end and host of The Fan Morning Show, has a different candidate in mind.
Steelers' Offense Has Struggled For Too Long
The Steelers' offense has been struggling since the retirement of their longtime quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. The team has been in need of a fresh perspective to rejuvenate their offensive schemes. Dickerson believes that Antwaan Randle El, a former Steelers wide receiver with a unique connection to the franchise and a promising coaching career, is the best choice to replace Jackson.
Among the names circulating as potential replacements for Jackson, two stand out: Randle El and Ward. Both are beloved figures in the Steelers' storied history, and either appointment would likely excite the fan base. Notably, Randle El and Ward shared a memorable moment during Super Bowl XL when Randle El threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Ward, sealing the victory for Pittsburgh. Now, one of these two former Steelers greats could potentially reunite on the Steel City coaching staff.
Randle El's transition from NFL wide receiver to coach has been nothing short of impressive. He embarked on his coaching journey in 2019 when he joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an offensive assistant. During his time in Tampa Bay, he honed his coaching skills and proved his dedication to the game's development. He also won a Super Bowl as a member of their coaching staff.
In 2021, Randle El took on a more prominent role as he became the wide receivers coach for the Detroit Lions, a position he currently holds. His tenure with the Lions has showcased his coaching prowess and commitment to nurturing young talents in professional football.
If the Steelers were to pursue Randle El as their new wide receivers coach, it's unlikely that he would make a lateral move from his current role with the Lions. This is where Dickerson's suggestion comes into play. Along with the wide receivers coach title, Randle El should be given the responsibilities of a pass game coordinator.
Randle El's impact with the Lions speaks volumes about his coaching abilities. He played a pivotal role in the development of Amon-Ra St. Brown and significantly contributed to enhancing the Lions' offensive capabilities. If he were to join the Steelers, his wealth of coaching experience and firsthand knowledge of the game could be instrumental in revitalizing the Steelers' offense.
The Steelers currently have two talented, but troubled wide receivers in George Pickens and Diontae Johnson. Both players possess immense potential, but need guidance and mentorship to overcome their challenges and thrive on the field. Randle El's presence on the coaching staff could provide the necessary guidance to unlock their full potential.
As the Steelers face a pivotal moment in their coaching staff transition, the suggestion put forth by Dickerson to appoint Randle El as both the wide receivers coach and the pass game coordinator holds significant merit.
Randle El's coaching journey and his impact with the Lions make him a compelling choice to help breathe new life into the Steelers' offense. As the Steelers weigh their options, the prospect of Randle El's return to Pittsburgh could be the catalyst needed to reignite the team's once-dominant passing game and secure a brighter future for the franchise.
As the offseason progresses, Steeler Nation can expect to hear more news regarding the potential replacement for Jackson and whether the team plans to hire a pass game coordinator. Steelers fans have every reason to be thrilled with the ongoing changes happening within the offensive coaching staff.
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