Canada FIRED

[Drink IRON City]

Bingo.
I would add that Fitchner was the guy that Ben wanted but hiring Duh was all on Shades.

I wouldn’t place all blame on Ben, yes he wanted him but also Fitchner fit the mold. Someone who would follow Tomlin’s crap scheme and NOT push-back. Promoted from within the organization.

Personally, I think BEN was way to much of a gunslinger free-lancer, not afraid of anything on the field player and Tomlin was trying to reel him in continuously to conform to the low risk ball Tomlin wanted to play.

Thank to BEN we haven’t had 17 years of Tomlin crap football. Look what just a couple of years have brought———



Salute the nation

 

[SteelerSask2]

I wouldn’t place all blame on Ben, yes he wanted him but also Fitchner fit the mold. Someone who would follow Tomlin’s crap scheme and NOT push-back. Promoted from within the organization.

Personally, I think BEN was way to much of a gunslinger free-lancer, not afraid of anything on the field player and Tomlin was trying to reel him in continuously to conform to the low risk ball Tomlin wanted to play.

Thank to BEN we haven’t had 17 years of Tomlin crap football. Look what just a couple of years have brought———



Salute the nation

I think Ben is the reason for 17 years of Tomlin Crap football. He kept him employed.

 

[Drink IRON City]

I think Ben is the reason for 17 years of Tomlin Crap football. He kept him employed.

I get your point full heartedly, but don’t make short of my point as well. Two years without BEN shows you what we could have had if BEN conformed.


Salute the nation

 

[Ike Kelly]

Local news reporting that Gerry Dulac, the beat writer from the Post-Gazette, said it was Deuce’s call. Other sports reporters are saying that Deuce was in unusually bad mood immediately after the loss in Cleveland.

Gerry is known on occasion try to shock and awe a story before the facts are known. Sorta has to working for the P-Gazette, as print media is going bye bye and they are competing with tons of digital platforms now.

DK this morning detailed, it was Tomlin who made the decision to fire Canada (shortly after the post game presser). He had a meeting with Art2, Omar and Andy on Monday morning advising what he was going to do. Art2, being the owner, is always notified of personnel changes, and the owner said “do what you have to do Coach”. Very early Tuesday morning Canada was notified. He had no idea, and was coming in to start on the CIN game plan. As Tomlin said in his Tuesday presser, he hadn't told the players yet (Tuesday was their off day). He and Canada are tight, hence the comments regarding the insight of his decision. But, the business is winning, and a change was needed (a year late IMO).

One intriguing thing, with DK’s report, through Ramon Foster (who has a group text with a bunch of former AND current players) indicated the players have stated in the past that Canada had “issues” with communicating his concepts details and mindset. So Najee sort of broke the Dam at his stool. Another thing, he opined that Tomlin post game presser (which he was unusually melancholic) didn’t belay how upset he was about the offensive output. But, knew that performance was what he needed to make the decision. Kinda makes sense now actually. DK was in the Steelers own press area because CLE forgot to give him a space in the regular press area. So he got to sit next to Dale Lolley in the Steelers area. One thing he noticed as soon as the game ended, Andy Weidl was visibly pissed off and he learned shortly thereafter that Art2 was absolutely disgusted with the loss and the offense. How he navigates the **** storm with the offense now and who will be the caretaker for the offense and Kenny in 2024 will dictate Tomlin‘s long term future. Which it should be He’s ignored the offensive side of the ball for the past couple years. A luxury he doesn’t have now with Ben gone.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Gerry is known on occasion try to shock and awe a story before the facts are known. Sorta has to working for the P-Gazette, as print media is going bye bye and they are competing with tons of digital platforms now.

DK this morning detailed, it was Tomlin who made the decision to fire Canada (shortly after the post game presser). He had a meeting with Art2, Omar and Andy on Monday morning advising what he was going to do. Art2, being the owner, is always notified of personnel changes, and the owner said “do what you have to do Coach”. Very early Tuesday morning Canada was notified. He had no idea, and was coming in to start on the CIN game plan. As Tomlin said in his Tuesday presser, he hadn't told the players yet (Tuesday was their off day). He and Canada are tight, hence the comments regarding the insight of his decision. But, the business is winning, and a change was needed (a year late IMO).

One intriguing thing, with DK’s report, through Ramon Foster (who has a group text with a bunch of former AND current players) indicated the players have stated in the past that Canada had “issues” with communicating his concepts details and mindset. So Najee sort of broke the Dam at his stool. Another thing, he opined that Tomlin post game presser (which he was unusually melancholic) didn’t belay how upset he was about the offensive output. But, knew that performance was what he needed to make the decision. Kinda makes sense now actually. DK was in the Steelers own press area because CLE forgot to give him a space in the regular press area. So he got to sit next to Dale Lolley in the Steelers area. One thing he noticed as soon as the game ended, Andy Weidl was visibly pissed off and he learned shortly thereafter that Art2 was absolutely disgusted with the loss and the offense. How he navigates the **** storm with the offense now and who will be the caretaker for the offense and Kenny in 2024 will dictate Tomlin‘s long term future. Which it should be He’s ignored the offensive side of the ball for the past couple years. A luxury he doesn’t have now with Ben gone.

GREAT Post Ike, and thank you for all the great ones along the way.

I think Art2 has more hands on than most here give him credit for. I’ve heard him referred to as just a business man and not a football man. You don’t grow up a Rooney and not know football, regardless of your education background. I think there was more to the conversation than ANYONE knows about and I’d tend to think Art2 had more to say than just “do what you got to do coach”.

I’m definitely not doubting anything in your post as I watch / listen to DK all the time. I listen everyday to his Daily Shot Steelers segment.


Salute the nation

 

[SteelerFan448]

Gerry is known on occasion try to shock and awe a story before the facts are known. Sorta has to working for the P-Gazette, as print media is going bye bye and they are competing with tons of digital platforms now.

DK this morning detailed, it was Tomlin who made the decision to fire Canada (shortly after the post game presser). He had a meeting with Art2, Omar and Andy on Monday morning advising what he was going to do. Art2, being the owner, is always notified of personnel changes, and the owner said “do what you have to do Coach”. Very early Tuesday morning Canada was notified. He had no idea, and was coming in to start on the CIN game plan. As Tomlin said in his Tuesday presser, he hadn't told the players yet (Tuesday was their off day). He and Canada are tight, hence the comments regarding the insight of his decision. But, the business is winning, and a change was needed (a year late IMO).

One intriguing thing, with DK’s report, through Ramon Foster (who has a group text with a bunch of former AND current players) indicated the players have stated in the past that Canada had “issues” with communicating his concepts details and mindset. So Najee sort of broke the Dam at his stool. Another thing, he opined that Tomlin post game presser (which he was unusually melancholic) didn’t belay how upset he was about the offensive output. But, knew that performance was what he needed to make the decision. Kinda makes sense now actually. DK was in the Steelers own press area because CLE forgot to give him a space in the regular press area. So he got to sit next to Dale Lolley in the Steelers area. One thing he noticed as soon as the game ended, Andy Weidl was visibly pissed off and he learned shortly thereafter that Art2 was absolutely disgusted with the loss and the offense. How he navigates the **** storm with the offense now and who will be the caretaker for the offense and Kenny in 2024 will dictate Tomlin‘s long term future. Which it should be He’s ignored the offensive side of the ball for the past couple years. A luxury he doesn’t have now with Ben gone.

Seeing all this as well as what played out, I'm still not sure what Tomlin thought was going to happen after the original hire and after the failures in year 1 and year 2. Even after giving Canada time, the bye week was such a perfect time to make a decision and they didn't. This is 100% self inflicted and you can call it loyalty, stubbornness, or arrogance, whatever it was, it has set this team back.

 

[Punxsutawney]

Bingo.
I would add that Fitchner was the guy that Ben wanted but hiring Duh was all on Shades.

Didn't Tomlin and Fitchner go back a ways? I could be wrong on that.

Ben definitely pushed for him, but it felt like Tomlin's decision, as it was with Canada.

 

[Punxsutawney]

Seeing all this as well as what played out, I'm still not sure what Tomlin thought was going to happen after the original hire and after the failures in year 1 and year 2. Even after giving Canada time, the bye week was such a perfect time to make a decision and they didn't. This is 100% self inflicted and you can call it loyalty, stubbornness, or arrogance, whatever it was, it has set this team back.

There was definitely no excuse for not making the move during the bye week.

The offense did show some progress in the second half of last season when the running game was working and it somewhat seemed like Kenny was on the right trajectory.

I can "kind of" see why Tomlin brought Canada back for this season, but my biggest issue was keeping him in 2022 after seeing what a circus the offense was in Ben's last season and knowing they were going to draft a QB early.

Whether Kenny was always destined to suck, or the coaching ruined him, I'm not sure it really matters at this point.

 

[slashsteel]

I can "kind of" see why Tomlin brought Canada back for this season

I had someone talking to me last night about Tomlin and his son's connection with Canada.

I am not convinced the hiring wasn't just tunnel visioned in the first place due to Canada's college ties with the son.

I don't feel Mike really tries to do exhaustive searches for the best candidates for his coordinators. I think he tries to fill the positions who he is comfy with.

Doing this with his inability to be a top X and O guy is his downfall and should be the primary reason he isn't brought back.

He isn't trying to fill his weaknesses with strengths. He is playing buddyball. And that isn't how you make a championship team.

Their is nothing they do schematically on either side of the ball that screams championship caliber let alone playoff caliber outside of winning the turnover battle.

It would take a lot for me to change my viewpoint from now to end season.

Not only would they have to win a playoff game, the following game would have to be close win or loss.

One more embarrassing blowout and I would not resign this guy.

Enough is enough.

 

[Ike Kelly]

Seeing all this as well as what played out, I'm still not sure what Tomlin thought was going to happen after the original hire and after the failures in year 1 and year 2. Even after giving Canada time, the bye week was such a perfect time to make a decision and they didn't. This is 100% self inflicted and you can call it loyalty, stubbornness, or arrogance, whatever it was, it has set this team back.

There was definitely no excuse for not making the move during the bye week.

The offense did show some progress in the second half of last season when the running game was working and it somewhat seemed like Kenny was on the right trajectory.

I can "kind of" see why Tomlin brought Canada back for this season, but my biggest issue was keeping him in 2022 after seeing what a circus the offense was in Ben's last season and knowing they were going to draft a QB early.

Whether Kenny was always destined to suck, or the coaching ruined him, I'm not sure it really matters at this point.

Ramon Foster talked about this topic specifically. I felt Canada should have been replaced after last year, but “they” must have felt there was something there with Kenny to build upon. ‘Mon said firing him at the bye, would make no difference on the offense, other than play calling. The plays will remain the same, but the play calling sequencing, routes and read numbers will be modified. So don’t expect much changes in how the offense looks. But do expect heavy run and play action going forward….and yes more routes Between the numbers vertically. Also, thankfully, no more jet sweeps three/four times a game. I don’t want to see another one of those for at least a decade.

 

[Ike Kelly]

I had someone talking to me last night about Tomlin and his son's connection with Canada.

I am not convinced the hiring wasn't just tunnel visioned in the first place due to Canada's college ties with the son.

I don't feel Mike really tries to do exhaustive searches for the best candidates for his coordinators. I think he tries to fill the positions who he is comfy with.

Doing this with his inability to be a top X and O guy is his downfall and should be the primary reason he isn't brought back.

He isn't trying to fill his weaknesses with strengths. He is playing buddyball. And that isn't how you make a championship team.

Their is nothing they do schematically on either side of the ball that screams championship caliber let alone playoff caliber outside of winning the turnover battle.

It would take a lot for me to change my viewpoint from now to end season.

Not only would they have to win a playoff game, the following game would have to be close win or loss.

One more embarrassing blowout and I would not resign this guy.

Enough is enough.

Slash, Dino Tomlin never played for Canada at Maryland. He was one of the coaches who recruited him out of high school, but Canada was hired before his freshman year. Maybe that was the connection. Canada had been known with his stops at Pitt, LSU and Maryland to have a unique offensive scheme that was “ahead of its time”. Maybe in collegiate circles, but no way in hell his scheme was anything but gimmicky in the pros. Sure, the motion method would work well in college….because, well it’s college players. But that method gets eaten up quick with NFL level defenses.

I’m holding off judgement on Kenny until he has a bonafide NFL OC guiding him. I’ve watched him play since college, his Senior year was just like how Drake Maye plays at UNC. Decisive reads, ball placement and leadership. Kenny showed A lot of that last year, and in several 4th quarters this year. I think Canada’s communication style has really gotten in the way of his confidence and over-all progression.

 

[slashsteel]

Slash, Dino Tomlin never played for Canada at Maryland. He was one of the coaches who recruited him out of high school, but Canada was hired before his freshman year. Maybe that was the connection. Canada had been known with his stops at Pitt, LSU and Maryland to have a unique offensive scheme that was “ahead of its time”. Maybe in collegiate circles, but no way in hell his scheme was anything but gimmicky in the pros. Sure, the motion method would work well in college….because, well it’s college players. But that method gets eaten up quick with NFL level defenses.

I’m holding off judgement on Kenny until he has a bonafide NFL OC guiding him. I’ve watched him play since college, his Senior year was just like how Drake Maye plays at UNC. Decisive reads, ball placement and leadership. Kenny showed A lot of that last year, and in several 4th quarters this year. I think Canada’s communication style has really gotten in the way of his confidence and over-all progression.

I should have mentioned the recruitment process but you are correct they never played together.

I hear you on Kenny. Hopefully he starts to turn it around.

 

[Omar10213245]

Ramon Foster talked about this topic specifically. I felt Canada should have been replaced after last year, but “they” must have felt there was something there with Kenny to build upon. ‘Mon said firing him at the bye, would make no difference on the offense, other than play calling. The plays will remain the same, but the play calling sequencing, routes and read numbers will be modified. So don’t expect much changes in how the offense looks. But do expect heavy run and play action going forward….and yes more routes Between the numbers vertically. Also, thankfully, no more jet sweeps three/four times a game. I don’t want to see another one of those for at least a decade.

Sheeeeyut! Sounds to me like there's a fair chance that we DO see "much changes" in how the offense looks!

 

[Ron Burgundy]

Didn't Tomlin and Fitchner go back a ways? I could be wrong on that.

Ben definitely pushed for him, but it felt like Tomlin's decision, as it was with Canada.

Yes. Fitchner worked with Shades before so that’s why he got hired but Ben liked him so that’s why he got promoted to OC.
The Tomlin System:
Hire my buddies as assistant coaches.
Promote one of said assistants to coordinator when needed.
Again, nothing wrong with that approach in itself but when it’s the only way you do things then you’re not going to get the best people.

 

[Drink IRON City]

Yes. Fitchner worked with Shades before so that’s why he got hired but Ben liked him so that’s why he got promoted to OC.
The Tomlin System:
Hire my buddies as assistant coaches.
Promote one of said assistants to coordinator when needed.
Again, nothing wrong with that approach in itself but when it’s the only way you do things then you’re not going to get the best people.

Absolutely Ron, when they promoted Fitchner, from with-in, I said ****, here comes more of then same shiit offense.

I’ve wanted outside organization for quite some time, as many here has as well.

I realize with the firing and current promotion from within, is a desperation but needed move.

I TRUST Omar and Co. will look outside of Tomlin’s realm when the permanent OC is hired.

I also think there was way more said between Art2 and Tomlin during their “private” meeting.



Salute the nation

 

[Ron Burgundy]

Absolutely Ron, when they promoted Fitchner, from with-in, I said ****, here comes more of then same shiit offense.

I’ve wanted outside organization for quite some time, as many here has as well.

I realize with the firing and current promotion from within, is a desperation but needed move.

I TRUST Omar and Co. will look outside of Tomlin’s realm when the permanent OC is hired.

I also think there was way more said between Art2 and Tomlin during their “private” meeting.

Again, if I’ve figured out that Shades’ best coordinators were the ones he didn’t hire, Haley, DLB, and you can lump The Bruce in there if you want, I would think that Deuce, Omar, and Weidl have also.

 

[SteelerSask2]

I get your point full heartedly, but don’t make short of my point as well. Two years without BEN shows you what we could have had if BEN conformed.


Salute the nation

Totally agree.

 

[FordFairLane]

This guy breaks down the Browns game. Says what Ive said all season. Canada had a vanilla offense but Kenny wasn’t running it correctly. So getting rid of Canada was definitely needed. But there’s no excuses now. If Kenny still struggles that’s on him. If you watch this you’ll see some horrible play designs. But you’ll see opportunities missed in this offense. We lost to the Browns was due to Kenny Pickett. He missed an easy Touchdown and several chunk plays. That’s all we needed to put the Browns away.

Some things I would ad to his assessment is that first play that’s a sack you can see that side of the field overloaded and Kenny has Najee staying in to block. Why doesn’t Kenny move Najee to his left to max protect? Not excusing Moore for oversetting but KP could have given himself a better chance. If he even gets 1 more second he has the slot in space or a go route with no safety up top. But it doesn’t matter because Garrett doesn’t even get touched.

That moving pocket play had no opportunity it was just to give space for punting. The fact we ran it twice is why Canada was a play caller. I get it a little the first time. Your QB just got sacked and you are trying to get space but I hate just giving up and playing for field position.

The third play this guy is spot on. And this is where we will see if it was Canada or Pickett. 6 blocking 5 you typically throw into the blitz and that’s your hot route. But Heyward is running a post into a cover 0. A safe play is to the hitch and that gets you 5-7 of those 11 and changes the 3rd down play calling. If we had a gun slinger they throw the post. Maybe it’s a touchdown.

 

[SteelerFan448]

Ramon Foster talked about this topic specifically. I felt Canada should have been replaced after last year, but “they” must have felt there was something there with Kenny to build upon. ‘Mon said firing him at the bye, would make no difference on the offense, other than play calling. The plays will remain the same, but the play calling sequencing, routes and read numbers will be modified. So don’t expect much changes in how the offense looks. But do expect heavy run and play action going forward….and yes more routes Between the numbers vertically. Also, thankfully, no more jet sweeps three/four times a game. I don’t want to see another one of those for at least a decade.

I'm not particularly confident with the interim replacement(s), however, beyond the sequencing, it could simply be communication or approach with the coaches. You can see the entire offense is dysfunctional and the body language is poor. Much of this comes the leadership at the top and a good coach and instill confidence and make enough minor changes. This offense needs to feel what it's like to succeed and it hasn't had that feeling all year. Again, I have no expectations moving forward, it was just more of getting away from what was obviously not working for 2+ years.

 

[SteelerFan448]

This guy breaks down the Browns game. Says what Ive said all season. Canada had a vanilla offense but Kenny wasn’t running it correctly. So getting rid of Canada was definitely needed. But there’s no excuses now. If Kenny still struggles that’s on him. If you watch this you’ll see some horrible play designs. But you’ll see opportunities missed in this offense. We lost to the Browns was due to Kenny Pickett. He missed an easy Touchdown and several chunk plays. That’s all we needed to put the Browns away.

Some things I would ad to his assessment is that first play that’s a sack you can see that side of the field overloaded and Kenny has Najee staying in to block. Why doesn’t Kenny move Najee to his left to max protect? Not excusing Moore for oversetting but KP could have given himself a better chance. If he even gets 1 more second he has the slot in space or a go route with no safety up top. But it doesn’t matter because Garrett doesn’t even get touched.

That moving pocket play had no opportunity it was just to give space for punting. The fact we ran it twice is why Canada was a play caller. I get it a little the first time. Your QB just got sacked and you are trying to get space but I hate just giving up and playing for field position.

The third play this guy is spot on. And this is where we will see if it was Canada or Pickett. 6 blocking 5 you typically throw into the blitz and that’s your hot route. But Heyward is running a post into a cover 0. A safe play is to the hitch and that gets you 5-7 of those 11 and changes the 3rd down play calling. If we had a gun slinger they throw the post. Maybe it’s a touchdown.

Biggest takeaways when I watched this yesterday were Friday night offense and, although JT didn't say it, Friday night QB play. Pickett's college issue of bailing the pocket has magnified this year. More than ample opportunities to step up and make NFL throws but he looks the pass rushers in the eyes and bails. The missed TD to DJ was a perfect example. There was another as well in the game when he easily could've stepped up and instead ran into a sack. I don't know whether to laugh or cry at the assessment of Canada's offensive structure. It's something else to hear an outsiders perspective on how poor it is.

 

[SteelBuckeye]

Again, if I’ve figured out that Shades’ best coordinators were the ones he didn’t hire, Haley, DLB, and you can lump The Bruce in there if you want, I would think that Deuce, Omar, and Weidl have also.

Ahhhh, but, Dulac says that Art ll was the one who fired Canada. Everybody else says it was Tomlin's decision that Art ll signed off on. Of course, Dulac also previously said that it was Art ll who hired Canada as QB coach, and later as Coordinator. He later deleted those tweets from his timeline. So, this begs the question ... Is Dulac lying? Or, is the whole Canada mess Art ll's fault to begin with?

* Info gained on another news Steelers site. Take it as you will.

 

[slashsteel]

Ahhhh, but, Dulac says that Art ll was the one who fired Canada. Everybody else says it was Tomlin's decision that Art ll signed off on. Of course, Dulac also previously said that it was Art ll who hired Canada as QB coach, and later as Coordinator. He later deleted those tweets from his timeline. So, this begs the question ... Is Dulac lying? Or, is the whole Canada mess Art ll's fault to begin with?

* Info gained on another news Steelers site. Take it as you will.

I think Dulac is trying to stay afloat. As I don't believe him...

 

[SteelerSask2]

Thing I'm noticing in some of the film is I don't think Kenny's Drop is deep enough. He is trying to throw passes that require time and he is on a short set.

 

[slashsteel]

Thing I'm noticing in some of the film is I don't think Kenny's Drop is deep enough. He is trying to throw passes that require time and he is on a short set.

Yeah they did that study when he did a one step he was horrible, and a 3 step about average. If they change up that side line throws the 1 step drop could improve fairly quickly.

 

[Ike Kelly]

Ahhhh, but, Dulac says that Art ll was the one who fired Canada. Everybody else says it was Tomlin's decision that Art ll signed off on. Of course, Dulac also previously said that it was Art ll who hired Canada as QB coach, and later as Coordinator. He later deleted those tweets from his timeline. So, this begs the question ... Is Dulac lying? Or, is the whole Canada mess Art ll's fault to begin with?

* Info gained on another news Steelers site. Take it as you will.

Definitely the former. Dulac and Cook are with print media and are getting passed up. Ed Bouchette who left the PG to join The Athletic team had the foresight to move forward to pure Digital. He and Gerry, at least, are trying to keep up with the “new” shock media via Twitter/X platforms also.