The Steelers did not hire a senior assistant on either side of the ball this offseason. Those voids, held by now-defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, were not replaced, but they did make one notable hire as an offensive assistant in Glenn Thomas. Thomas has been an offensive coordinator at three different spots in college with Baylor, UNLV, and Arizona State, so Thomas’ addition to Pittsburgh brought some level of familiarity.
When Matt Canada went to the sideline, Thomas relayed ideas and observations from the booth. He still holds a similar role with both Eddie Faulkner and Mike Sullivan on the sideline. Thomas is the newest addition to the Steelers offensive coaching staff. He came up under former Steelers offensive coordinator and tight end Mike Mularkey with the Atlanta Falcons as an offensive assistant and quarterbacks coach. Thomas then worked for Matt Rhule at Temple and Baylor. His contributions have earned plenty of praise from his colleagues in the building.
“Glenn Thomas is awesome, man,” Faulkner said. “He’s been a coordinator in Power Five schools for years. The expertise that comes with that kind of resume, you would expect to get good information from him. He’s been fantastic.”
His presence hasn’t caused a lot of headlines so far in his Steelers tenure. The offense has struggled through the first half of the season, and Thomas hasn’t seemed to be playing a significant role in its successes or failures. Still, with Canada gone, anyone with that experience is a welcome addition to the staff to contribute ideas.
A lot of trust is involved in the process from all of the assistants, but Faulkner emphasizes all the assistants being bought in and helping the group. With OC experience in his background, Thomas is an integral part of that equation for the team as they continue down the stretch.
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