Internal coaching candidates the Steelers could promote in the event of a “shakeup”
A lot of Steelers fans believe the team is ready to make changes following a shocking loss, their second in the same season, to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Should Pittsburgh seek a change, they have a number of internal candidates from whom they could draw upon if they want to shake up their coaching staff.
With offensive coordinator Todd Haley’s days all but over in Pittsburgh, wide receivers coach Richard Mann retiring, and other change potentially looming, here are some of the names I suggest the Steelers could promote from within their organization.
Offensive Coordinator – Randy Fichtner
The sure money bet to replace Haley (should he not have his contract renewed) is Ben Roethlisberger‘s BFF, quarterbacks coach Randy Fichtner.
Fichtner has experience as a coordinator going back to his college coaching days with Arkansas State and Memphis. College doesn’t always translate to the pro game, however, it’s the relationship that Fichtner has with Roethlisberger that will likely earn him the promotion, should the Steelers make a change.
Offensive Coordinator – Mike Munchak
When other teams around the league start sniffing around for a potential head coaching hire, Munchak’s name surfaces. Munchak, a former head coach with the Tennessee Titans, not only has that experience but has been around the NFL as a player or a coach since 1984.
The Arizona Cardinals were the most recent team to inquire to interview Munchak for their vacant coaching position. If the Steelers get squirmish about Munchak leaving, as they were with Keith Butler years ago (Butler was a linebackers coach under Dick LeBeau) they could promote from within.
Wide Receivers – Hines Ward
A few names listed here aren’t necessarily people currently “within” the Steelers organization, but they aren’t outside of it either.
Ward was last seen snooping around training camp during the offseason, working with rookie receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Could a coaching position be on deck for Ward?
Wide receivers coaches are among the most sought-after positions in the NFL and reportedly some of the hardest to fill with quality candidates. What could be better than an all-time franchise great who caught 1,000 passes in his career mentoring young receivers and helping them ply their craft?
Wide Receivers – Darrius Heyward-Bey
The Steelers have always valued veteran players who contribute in as many ways as possible. That’s how Darrius Heyward-Bey continues to remain on their roster to this day, being a selfless player who will do anything, on offense or special teams, to help lead his team to victory.
Could his on-field leadership transition to future coaching role with the team?
I’d argue that the Steeler receiving corps was stacked this season and if they bring in more fresh blood this upcoming offseason, DHB could be the odd man looking out. With Mann’s spot open, this may be an opportunity for a lateral movement within the organization for Heyward-Bey.
Offensive Line – Alan Faneca
Also seen recently at the last two Steelers training camps at Saint Vincent College is Faneca, a former Steelers great in his own right who has made amends with the team who didn’t want to shell out money for a big contract.
Faneca has since returned and multiple times. He even led the Terrible Towel twirl with fans ahead of the Steelers Divisional Round game against the Jaguars.
With a high profile around the team and city, my guess is Faneca could be brought on if Munchak is promoted within the organization or poached by another team. As a Hall of Fame finalist in recent years, the dropoff in learning from someone who is considered one of the all-time greats to play at their position is a short drop off from Munch to Faneca; he would be an excellent replacement should the Steelers lose the former and have to go with the latter.
Offensive Line – Shaun Sarrett
An offensive assistant with the Steelers for the last six seasons, Sarrett has helped primarily with the offensive line while also assisting with game preparation and film analysis.
Oftentimes a coaching position candidate will begin their ascension to another role by paying their dues as an assistant. If the Steelers feel that Sarrett is ready, he could be someone to fill Munchak’s shoes, if the latter leaves town.
Defensive Coordinator – Carnell Lake
This is a reach, as I don’t personally feel Keith Butler is on the hot seat, at least not yet. However, if the team is looking to change gears, one of the best position coaches on their staff is Lake, who currently coaches the cornerbacks and safeties.
Yes, there may be criticism about how the secondary has played in recent years, but if the Steelers want to maintain having a defensive coordinator who branches out from the Dick LeBeau tree, Lake would be one of the few on a short list of potential hires.
Secondary – Ike Taylor
If Lake were to move from his current position, two former players could end up taking his spot.
The first is Ike Taylor, who recently interned as a coach this offseason at the team’s training camp. (Notice a pattern?) Taylor would have to leave his current TV job, but if he’s interested in breaking into coaching.
Would Taylor be a prospect? There’s a precedent, as several former (and somewhat recent) players are currently position coaches including Joey Porter (linebackers), Jerry Olsavsky (linebackers), and the aforementioned Lake.
Secondary – William Gay
Taking that idea one step further, William Gay is entering his final year of a three-year contract. The veteran cornerback has seen his role change to nickel corner, then dime corner over the last few seasons.
Like DHB, his leadership and the depth he provides have been reasons he’s stuck with the Steelers for so long. If he too would like a life after football, and a spot is available, I could see Gay getting into coaching.
