According to various reports, the Pittsburgh Steelers plan to replace former offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner by promoting him inside. As expected, the Steelers plan to promote quarterbacks coach Matt Canada instead of interviewing outside candidates. Canada joined the coaching staff in 2020 after being head coach in Maryland.
Here are three things we expect from Canada’s offense
Various formations
(Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers)
One thing that has been known in Canada whether he is an offensive coordinator or head coach is his tendency to use multiple formations even for the same play. Canda loves to use changes and moves to create mismatches and force the defense to make adjustments.
A crime for Ben Roethlisberger
(Photo by AP / Gene J. Puskar)
Let’s not fool ourselves. If Ben Roethlisberger returns in 2021, the Steelers will not run the spread in favor of the style that Canada did in Maryland. Not everything related to the scheme fits the style of Roethlisberger and Canada has had a year on this team to understand it. He won’t try to force Roethlisberger to do things he doesn’t feel comfortable with at this point in his career.
More Anthony McFarland Jr.
(Photo by AP / Barry Reeger)
If the Steelers don’t sign James Conner again, don’t be surprised if Canada doesn’t repeat McFarland until the starting lineup because of their relationship and McFarland’s experience in that offense. McFarland is the only local team threat among runners and assuming the offensive line has a major overhaul this offseason, it could thrive.