PITTSBURGH STEELERS

OFFSEASON EXPECTATIONS FOR EACH STAFF MEMBER

The Pittsburgh Steelers’ season ends in disappointment as they miss the postseason in dramatic fashion. Now, the front office has big decisions to make on the future of the coaching staff.

From Mike Tomlin to Joey Porter and everyone in between, the Steelers’ coaching staff needs to be evaluated. Fans have been calling for change all season and after missing the playoffs, these changes should be considered.

The next month is going to be interesting as Pittsburgh relieves coaching duties and looks to add new staff members. It’s not like them to change things up, but after a season like this it’s needed. This team has enough talent to be a top team in the NFL and continues to fall short. Something needs to happen to take them to the next level, starting with the coaching staff.

No one is safe this offseason. There are options to replace every member of the coaching staff and each member needs to be considered a part of the problem. That doesn’t mean it’s time to clean house but it’s certainly time to see fresh faces in a few places.

It’s time to see how close each coach is to being removed. No changes will be made right away but by the time the end of the postseason rolls around Pittsburgh will let someone, or a few people, go.

We’ll check out where each coach will be by the end of the offseason and if any replacement options are already available. It’s time to give the fans and the team coaches they deserve.

MIKE TOMLIN

The Steelers don’t fire head coaches and Mike Tomlin shouldn’t be fired, yet. It’s been a long and bumpy road with Tomlin running the show. Two Super Bowls is impressive, but it’s been a long time since the big game was reached and there have been plenty of questionable games since then.

There’s no one out there better than Tomlin so replacing him means taking a downgrade. For now, the Steelers should keep him around but watch the pieces he’s put together be removed. He’s been on the hot seat all season and the front office should make it known this is his final shot.

2019 is the last chance for Tomlin, and it doesn’t mean make the playoffs or get fired. This team is Super Bowl worthy. It’s time to stop losing to the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos and start showing the NFL what this team can do. If not, a new head coach is needed by 2020.

KEITH BUTLER

Butler should’ve been fired last season. After gaining even more talent last offseason and still looking sloppy, it’s time for him to go. The defense gave up game-winning drive after game-winning drive this season and that comes down to discipline.

There’s enough talent on the defense to finally become a great unit once again. The promise is there and the play calling is not. This comes down to Butler.

On top of the terrible in-game decisions, Butler’s words to the media have been, well, disappointing. Outside of the saying the team will have a tough time guarding Tyler Eifert in their Week 17 matchup with the Bengals, after Eifert was on IR all season, he’s also made it known he didn’t make in-game adjustments that led to poor performances.

The team should try to demote Butler back to linebacker coach. His time as a defensive coordinator in the NFL is likely over. If he wants to continue working he should take the demotion and cut his losses. Pittsburgh would love to keep him around, but only where he strives.

POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS: Todd Bowles, Vance Joseph

RANDY FICHTNER

After one season Randy Fichtner shouldn’t go anywhere. He and Ben Roethlisberger click well and if he can stop with the conservative play-calling he’ll turn this offense into a dangerous unit.

The talent is growing and next season he’ll have a roster he can turn into one of the best in the league. Fans seem to like him and he’s certainly an upgrade from Todd Haley. As of right now, the team should give him another shot to continue growing and take it after next season.

Don’t consider Fichtner’s seat too hot, just know he doesn’t have much time to continue growing his offense. After this season, no one should be safe, but he’s done enough to stick around and if he can keep showing his potential Pittsburgh isn’t going to send him anywhere.

Fichtner will have control of this unit again next season. He along with the rest of the offensive coaches are all clear and remain the best part of this team.

JOEY PORTER

Joey Porter is a Steelers legend on the field, but should’ve never been given a chance as a coach. His time with the team is over and it shouldn’t take long for the team to fire him this offseason.

Porter just didn’t have the coaching ability they hoped he would when the team hired him. He has very promising players but outside of T.J. Watt, none of have turned into the stars the Steelers need them to be.

Pittsburgh prides themselves on their linebackers. There the Linebacker U of the NFL but have been underachieving this season. That lays in the hands of Keith Butler and Porter, and both should lose their jobs this offseason.

Hopefully, the front office convinces Butler to step back into his former role with the organization. Pittsburgh could benefit from a real defensive coordinator and Butler back at linebacker coach.

Possible Replacement: Keith Butler

KEVIN COLBERT

Kevin Colbert makes great moves in the draft, questionable moves in the draft and absolutely no moves in the offseason. Yeah, Morgan Burnett and Jon Bostic were added this offseason, but neither were impressive based on who was available during the spring.

This team could’ve added a star at safety in Tyrann Mathieu for a little more than they signed Burnett for. This team would’ve been a different unit if they didn’t have that whole on defense and that’s Colbert’s fault for not taking a chance.

His draft moves are hit and miss as well. You get the gems like T.J. Watt and James Conner, but you also see reaches like Bud Dupree and Artie Burns (and possibly Terrell Edmunds). The talent in the 2019 NFL Draft is unreal and having Colbert make one of his risky decisions is something the Steelers cannot have over the offseason.

Chances are Colbert doesn’t lose his job but he should. This team can find a general manager just as good, at bare minimum, and have less mistakes made. Plus, they need someone who’s going to pull the trigger on an offseason signing, whether it’s the “Steelers way” or not.

They’ll miss opportunities again this offseason and if 2019 is as disappointing as this year, he’ll be removed from his duties.