PITTSBURGH – The Steelers did not have to look far for their new offensive coordinator.
The team is expected to promote defensive coach Matt Canada to offensive coordinator, a source confirmed to ESPN.
Known for his creativity in playcalling and design, Canada was the coach of Steelers defenders for only one season, but has a lot of experience at the university level.
Canada spent time as an offensive coordinator in LSU, Maryland, NC State, Wisconsin, Indiana and Pittsburgh, among others. He was also the acting head coach in Maryland in 2018.
With Canada leading the Panthers’ attack in 2016, Pitt led the country in the red zone touchdown percentage (82%) and scored at least 28 points in all 12 games of the regular season.
He also previously worked with Steelers running back coach Eddie Faulkner at NC State, Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.
Canada had been a candidate for the position of offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins. The NFL Network reported for the first time that the Steelers were turning to Canada to lead the attack, after not renewing Randy Fichtner’s contract.
Canada’s return may signal that quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is returning for the 2021 season because the veteran is familiar with attacking style and coaching – important factors in the final years of his career.