Former Steelers QB1 Kordell Stewart Gives Stern Warning About Firing Coaches

The University of Colorado alumni joined Andrew Fillipponi and Chris Mueller on 93.7 The Fan on Thursday to give his thoughts on the speculation about whether Pittsburgh should be moving on from Matt Canada after just one partial season with rookie Quarterback Kenny Pickett. 

“It’s not easy people,” Stewart said multiplte times about the adjustments. “If that’s the question than great question. The fanbase needs to understand whenever there is a change in bodies and conversations, it’s not easy to be able to go out and play at a high level where you’re not thinking.”

The New Orleans native has kept a close eye on his former team and hasn’t been afraid of being harsh, but he said the organization needs to approach the coordinator position very carefully.

“What if the next guy comes in and it gets worse,” he said emphatically. “Changes are being made cause they need a new guy. Well, there’s no guarentees with a new guy. The rhythm and blues with how they’re dancing with this offense is going to actually happen really fast.”

Stewart Thinks Steelers Stick With Canada

Stewart, like Pittsburgh’s Head Coach Mike Tomlin, defended Canada on the basis that things got better as the season went on. He sees the team continuing to find a groove with Pickett installed as the full-time starter next year.

“You’re at least going in the right direction,” he said. “It started getting better. It’s about trying to comeback solid and whole. What if it doesn’t work next season? Because I was that quarterback in Pittsburgh.”

He continued on to say that the fanbase and the organization need to be patient when it comes to who is calling the plays in Pickett’s second season. He also argued that Canada is also new to the role at the pro level and still deserves more time to try and make it work.

“He has to get his feet wet as well,” the 50 year old said. “Be patient. You’ve got to watch who you ask for. Coach Canada is going to be the offensive coordinator next year with Kenny Pickett. That’s how I’m looking at it if you’re thinking about how Mike Tomlin does things.”

Stewart wasn’t the only former Pittsburgh signal caller to weigh in on the criticism Steeler Nation has directed toward the former University of Maryland interim head coach. Ben Roethlisberger played for Canada in his final year and defended him, recently on his podcast.

The numbers told a very sad story when it came to the team’s offense this year finishing three behind the New York Jets in passing touchdowns for dead last in the league. It certainly isn’t all on the play-caller but after three seasons, can the team afford to let the worrying numbers continue?

So, Steeler Nation, do you think that the Canada experiment has run its course? Do you think it needs more time or is it just not an NFL offense?