Potential OC Candidates for the Steelers in 2024

[bermudasteel]

I asked Justin if I could post this link and he approved so this is not my opinion just posting here for discussion:

https://theathletic.com/5212623/2024/01/19/steelers-offensive-coordinator-search-mike-tomlin/

Kliff Kingsbury, USC senior offensive analyst​

Kingsbury is considered something of a quarterback whisperer. During his four-year stint as the Arizona Cardinals head coach, he helped Kyler Murray win Offensive Rookie of the Year and make it to two Pro Bowls. Before that, he worked with Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech and helped Johnny Manziel win the Heisman Trophy in 2012 as Texas A&M’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He’s going to be a hot name this cycle and is scheduled to meet with the Chicago Bears, who could be targeting the USC quarterback he helped develop, Caleb Williams.


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Klint Kubiak, 49ers passing game specialist​

The Steelers implemented several concepts from Sean McVay’s and Kyle Shanahan’s systems as the season unfolded. The 36-year-old Kubiak has obvious experience in that regard. He helped devise an offensive game plan that gave Brock Purdy plenty of easy reads and chain-moving completions. He also has experience calling plays as the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive coordinator in 2021.

Eric Bieniemy, Commanders offensive coordinator​

After he was passed up for head-coaching opportunities, Bieniemy went to Washington this year to prove he could succeed without Andy Reid and Mahomes. Now that Ron Rivera has been fired, Bieniemy could also be on the open market. One thing to consider is the Steelers planned to be a run-heavy offense this year. The Washington Commanders passed more than any other team in the league with an average of 37 attempts per game.


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Darrell Bevell, Dolphins quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator​

The 54-year-old Bevell has worked with several notable quarterbacks during his career, including Brett Favre, Brad Johnson, Russell Wilson, Matthew Stafford, Trevor Lawrence and now Tua Tagovailoa. This season in Miami, the Dolphins had the league’s best passing offense and second-best scoring offense.

Shane Waldron, Seahawks offensive coordinator​

After the football world had given up on Geno Smith, the 44-year-old Waldron helped resuscitate the QB’s career, helping propel him to the 2022 Comeback Player of the Year award. The appeal here would be that, perhaps, he could do the same with Pickett.

Zac Robinson, Rams quarterbacks coach​

The 37-year-old was promoted to quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator ahead of the 2022 season. He’s considered an up-and-coming coach, in a similar mold to Tomlin when the Steelers hired him to be their head coach. He’s another candidate who knows how to run the McVay offense.

Thomas Brown, Panthers offensive coordinator​

Brown, who is also 37, is another McVay disciple. He interviewed for the Tennessee Titans’ open head-coaching job Thursday, his third straight season garnering a head-coach interview. However, the Carolina Panthers were tied with the New England Patriots for the fewest points scored this season, so there’s reason for skepticism here.

Mike LaFleur, Rams offensive coordinator​

The younger brother of Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur is another Shanahan/McVay disciple. He spent this season with McVay, but the 36-year-old could be interested in calling the plays himself, as he did with the New York Jets for two seasons (2021-22).

Kellen Moore, Chargers offensive coordinator​

A former quarterback himself at Boise State, Moore has interviewed for head-coach openings in four consecutive offseasons, including with four different teams in 2022. His only head-coach interview this cycle was for the Los Angeles Chargers position. He helped lead the Dallas Cowboys as offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022. His lone season with the Chargers was more disappointing than expected.

Byron Leftwich, ex-Bucs offensive coordinator​

Leftwich is one person with ties to Pittsburgh worth monitoring. The former Steelers backup QB enjoyed success at Tampa Bay. However, how much was that because of his ability as a coordinator, and how much was it Tom Brady behind center and then-head coach Bruce Arians designing the offense?

Frank Reich, ex-Panthers/Colts head coach​

Reich did great work in Indianapolis, as he adjusted his philosophy to meet the needs of the quarterback to get the most out of Andrew Luck, Jacoby Brissett, Philip Rivers and Carson Wentz. However, he was fired after 11 games in Carolina as his offense struggled considerably, and at 62 years old, he’s not in the young or innovative category.


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Josh McDaniels, ex-Raiders head coach​

Though he’s failed twice as a head coach, McDaniels has a history of success calling plays. He’ll have options this offseason and can coordinate an offense, even if he’s not accomplished at the managerial aspects that come with sitting in the big chair.

Greg Roman, ex-Ravens offensive coordinator​

Tomlin said he believes next year’s starting quarterback is already on the roster. But if the Steelers pivot and go for a more mobile quarterback — like, say, Justin Fields via trade — Roman could be the right man to install a run-heavy offense that unlocks the QB’s legs in a similar way to what he did with Lamar Jackson.

Ken Dorsey, ex-Bills offensive coordinator​

Dorsey played the position, winning the national championship with the Miami Hurricanes in 2001 and spending six seasons on NFL rosters. Promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator to replace Brian Daboll in 2022, Dorsey was fired 10 games into 2023 after a rash of Buffalo turnovers. But the Bills offense ranked third in the NFL in points and fourth in yards during his tenure as offensive coordinator.

 

[SteelerFan448]

A lot of good names on this list. For me, it's easy to rule out the coaches I don't want.

Thomas Brown - I know Carolina didn't have a lot of talent, but Bryce Young was one of the few QBs who looked worse than Pickett this season.

Byron Leftwich - Please no ties to this team. Tom Brady and Bruce Arians had more to do with the success than Leftwich. Tampa football writers were not impressed.

Frank Reich - At this point of his career how much drive does he have? He's older, has been paid well, and will never be a HC again. Too tempting for him to coast the rest of his career.

Josh McDaniels - Unless he's bringing Tom Brady in his prime with him, no.

Greg Roman - Just don't think he's right for this team.

 

[bermudasteel]

I read somewhere, today, that Leftwich isn't even on the list - why???

My top 5 from this list:

1. Eric Bieniemy
2. Mike LaFleur
3. Darrell Bevell
4. Byron Leftwich
5. Ken Dorsey

 

[slashsteel]

I like Kubiak. That would be my top choice out of this list. Really like what the Niners have done with their team. With their offense...

Kingsbury intrigues me as well..

 

[jitter77]

I would rule out klinsbury, moore, brown, reich, and dorsey. I would put Kubiak and Bieniemy at the top of the list.

 

[bermudasteel]

I like Kubiak. That would be my top choice out of this list. Really like what the Niners have done with their team. With their offense...

Kingsbury intrigues me as well..

Yeah, I think it'll cost too much for both of those guys...

 

[slashsteel]

Yeah, I think it'll cost too much for both of those guys...

We don't live in our financial fears.

 

[SteelerFan448]

I read somewhere, today, that Leftwich isn't even on the list - why???

My top 5 from this list:

1. Eric Bieniemy
2. Mike LaFleur
3. Darrell Bevell
4. Byron Leftwich
5. Ken Dorsey

Leftwich running the offense without Arians went very poorly for the Bucs. That is with Tom Brady, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, etc. They were much better this year with many of the same pieces in place.

Bieniemy is interesting, I just don't know if the Steelers will go for that based on his first season out of Andy Reid's offense. Sam Howell led the NFL in passing attempts along with interceptions and sacks. From a PR perspective, does a fired OC look good? I would've hired Dorsey as a consultant as an almost tryout during the season.

I think I'm leaning toward one of the more inexperienced options with hopes of striking the next young head coaching candidate. That means the Steelers offense would've gotten much better. I also wouldn't mind Waldron, especially if we also got Geno Smith.

 

[slashsteel]

Leftwich running the offense without Arians went very poorly for the Bucs. That is with Tom Brady, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, etc. They were much better this year with many of the same pieces in place.

Bieniemy is interesting, I just don't know if the Steelers will go for that based on his first season out of Andy Reid's offense. Sam Howell led the NFL in passing attempts along with interceptions and sacks. From a PR perspective, does a fired OC look good? I would've hired Dorsey as a consultant as an almost tryout during the season.

I think I'm leaning toward one of the more inexperienced options with hopes of striking the next young head coaching candidate. That means the Steelers offense would've gotten much better. I also wouldn't mind Waldron, especially if we also got Geno Smith.

I haven't touched on Bevell but he does have an old Tomlin connection. Tua really emerged and Bevell has plenty of experience. I would be surprised if he doesn't get an interview.

 

[Coryea]

Alot of good names there, hopefully if any of the are interviewed they ask, "will I be allowed to run my system/scheme without being micromanaged here" I like Kubiak or Lafleur

 

[Fiji Mariner]

if pulling from that list Bevell or Kubiak

 

[xjx]

But Reich is the guy that fits the mold. Experienced. Nobody else would ever hire him as HC again. He OC's here, fails and retires. The Fichner path.

 

[Fiji Mariner]

But Reich is the guy that fits the mold. Experienced. Nobody else would ever hire him as HC again. He OC's here, fails and retires. The Fichner path.

Why would Reich take a job where he gets paid nothing

He makes as much not coaching as he would coaching. He’s getting paid whether he works or not and working wouldn’t increase his income so I’d expect he takes the remainder of money Teppy-more-bucks keeps shelling out to him post firing and rides off into the sunset very well paid for this vacation from football

 

[xjx]

I wasn't looking at the money when I shot my mouth off. I stand corrected. Thank you.

 

[xjx]

Tomlin is probably buddies with Bienemy. That's the pick.

 

[steel dino]

Waldron or Robinson would be my top two on this list.
Nice link there Bermuda..

 

[ZonaBurgh]

What it really comes down to is Deuce willing to open up his wallet, and will the candidate have the freedom to run his offense without interference?
History tells us that neither is likely to happen.

 

[fedderone]

I read somewhere, today, that Leftwich isn't even on the list - why???

My top 5 from this list:

1. Eric Bieniemy
2. Mike LaFleur
3. Darrell Bevell
4. Byron Leftwich
5. Ken Dorsey

YES. PLEASE for Bieniemy!

 

[steelcan58]

A lot of good names on this list. For me, it's easy to rule out the coaches I don't want.

Thomas Brown - I know Carolina didn't have a lot of talent, but Bryce Young was one of the few QBs who looked worse than Pickett this season.

Byron Leftwich - Please no ties to this team. Tom Brady and Bruce Arians had more to do with the success than Leftwich. Tampa football writers were not impressed.

Frank Reich - At this point of his career how much drive does he have? He's older, has been paid well, and will never be a HC again. Too tempting for him to coast the rest of his career.

Josh McDaniels - Unless he's bringing Tom Brady in his prime with him, no.

Greg Roman - Just don't think he's right for this team.

A big no thanks to Dorsey too. He may have helped Josh Allen develop as QB coach , but we don't have a QB with half the tools he does. And he failed miserably as OC this season.

Unsure of Bienemy too. I think he rode Any Reid's coat tails.

 

[steelhurt]

I’ve been pimping for the Niners Klint Kubiak since day one before Bermuda made this post with his list.
I love what’s he’s done in SF with Brock Purdy who let us not forget was the LAST pick of the 2022 draft.
That screams to me system, system, system and I’m trying not to take anything away from Purdy who has played well above expectations but come on man, that’s incredible play designs and sequence putting this young man in a position to succeed.
If Art II is going to be highly involved, he has got to be on the phone with Kubiak’s agent when the Niners conclude their season.

 

[slashsteel]

Tomlin is probably buddies with Bienemy. That's the pick.

I have to believe that what Tomlin says is true that he, Omar, and Rooney will be the decide this time...

 

[steelhurt]

Slash, the organization simply cannot allow Tomlin to bring in another yes man or this will fail before it begins.
Whether it’s Kubiak or Kingsbury or whoever, that new OC has to be allowed to run his offense without Tomlin interfering.
They also need to get him away from his massive interference with the defensive play-calling.
First off, do not bring back Austin. Hire a capable proven DC and let him run the defense.

 

[Ron Burgundy]

What it really comes down to is Deuce willing to open up his wallet, and will the candidate have the freedom to run his offense without interference?
History tells us that neither is likely to happen.

Deuce can either pony up the cash to make improvements or stay middlin’ where we’ve been for a long time.
It will be a difficult decision.
I’d go with Kubiak since Lefty is not under consideration.

 

[slashsteel]

Slash, the organization simply cannot allow Tomlin to bring in another yes man or this will fail before it begins.
Whether it’s Kubiak or Kingsbury or whoever, that new OC has to be allowed to run his offense without Tomlin interfering.
They also need to get him away from his massive interference with the defensive play-calling.
First off, do not bring back Austin. Hire a capable proven DC and let him run the defense.

The site we can not link has an excellent breakdown on OC capable.

Kubiak still remains my favorite for the job...I will go and say I will disappointed if he isn't at least looked at.

 

[Sarge]

I'd prefer Kubiak. I want someone from that Shanahan tree. Their offense just works. I mean, provided he would actually be allowed to run it in Pittsburgh.

Leftwich is exactly the guy the Steelers should avoid. I'm not sure why Steelers fans are so hung up on the guy. He's out of work for a reason. Bienemy might be alright, but the further he gets from Andy Reid, the more luster he loses.

The last thing the Steelers need from the new OC is total and complete deference to Coach Tomlin's antiquated offensive philosophy. I guess we will se.