The Pittsburgh Steelers season is not officially over yet, but whether or not they make a postseason run, it is clear the offensive staff needs to be reconstructed. Mike Tomlin has struggled to hire quality assistants during his time in Pittsburgh, but rumor has it that the front office may be more involved in the hiring process this time around, specifically at offensive coordinator.

While there is no guarantee we see an overhaul with the offensive coaching staff, it is most definitely needed. However, not much thought is given to potential replacements for coaches who do leave. If you decide to fire someone, there needs to be someone more competent available to take the position, as failure to find a better replacement will only continue the porous trend.

There are obviously more offensive assistants than the positions listed below, as there are often assistant quarterbacks and offensive line coaches, as well as specialized assistants underneath the offensive coordinator. However, to limit it to basic, ideal options, we will stick to the primary positions on the offensive staff, giving reasons as to why the coaches recommended for each position make sense.

Offensive Coordinator: Byron Leftwich

Brian Griese is a name that will grow in popularity, and I would definitely be interested in pursuing someone from the Kyle Shanahan tree, but I have not seen enough of Griese yet to entrust him with a young offense that has many issues. Leftwich was successful during his time in Tampa Bay, heading up a prolific passing attack despite Jameis Winston being the starting quarterback. In Leftwich’s four seasons as offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay, the Bucs finished 3rd, 3rd, 2nd, and 25th in scoring, respectively; and his final season was with a shell of Tom Brady. Offenses under Leftwich haven’t been the most balanced, but he has proven to be successful at his job. The familiarity here could help.

Assistant Head Coach / Quarterbacks Coach: Jim Caldwell

Caldwell has had the opportunity to work with and help many great quarterbacks, two of which were Peyton Manning and Matthew Stafford. Caldwell did a solid job in his stints as a head coach, but even though his teams were never “elite,” head coaching experience still matters. Caldwell’s experience would be of great value not only to the Steelers quarterbacks, but also to Mike Tomlin, who has made questionable decisions on challenges and clock management. Caldwell is currently with Carolina, but it seems imminent that the team disassembles the remaining coaching staff at the end of the season.

RB Coach / Running Game Coordinator: Duce Staley

I do not like the idea of co-offensive coordinators, but I am not at all opposed to having passing game and running game coordinators, as long as someone else has the true title of “offensive coordinator” and is the exclusive play caller on game day. Staley was most recently the assistant head coach and running backs coach for the Panthers, who let him go midseason. His previous jobs, however, were quite impressive, working with the Eagles in various roles from 2011-2020 before working in Detroit in 2021 and 2022. While his most recent job did not go as planned, his track record speaks for itself. Running games he has had an influence on have commonly had success, and with his familiarity to Pittsburgh, this fit just makes sense.

WR Coach / Passing Game Coordinator: Cortez Hankton

While I am not the biggest fan of going to the college ranks to find the next Steelers OC, I would not be opposed to finding a positional coach from the college ranks who has a proven history of success. That is the case with Hankton, who is currently the wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator at LSU. Hankton had a major part in the development of projected first round pick Malik Nabers, and he also had a hand in the collegiate success of 2022 draft pick Kayshon Boutte. Previous to his stint at LSU, however, Hankton held the same roles with Georgia, assisting in the development of players like Mecole Hardman, Riley Ridley, and, yes, George Pickens. Pairing Pickens with his former receivers coach may be exactly what he needs to regain his focus and take his game to the next level.

TE Coach: Alfredo Roberts

While a complete overhaul of offensive staff would certainly make sense, I do not see any tight end specialist available who would be a clear upgrade from Roberts. He has done a great job assisting in the development of Pat Freiermuth, although injuries have hindered his overall performance. I fully expect him to do the same with Darnell Washington, who is the latest talent to enter the tight end room.

Offensive Line Coach: Roy Istvan

Istvan’s coaching gigs before his current job with the Eagles does not sound that impressive, as his three previous jobs were with Keiser (FL), Cornell, and Rhode Island. Having said that, the fact that he was noticed by Doug Pederson, a well-respected coach with a track record of developing good offensive lines, despite coaching at smaller schools is a testament to the work he was responsible for at those schools. He also has done a fine job working with Philly’s offensive line over the past five seasons, serving as assistant offensive line coach below Jeff Stoutland. Istvan has assisted in the development of pro-bowlers Brandon Brooks and Landon Dickerson, while also working with All-Pro veterans Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce.

Who do you want to see the Steelers hire on the offensive coaching staff this offseason? Be sure to share your thoughts on this and all things Pittsburgh Steelers in the comment section below!