SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 02: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks, right, has a chat with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer during the game against the Minnesota Vikings at CenturyLink Field on December 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Seattle Seahawks won, 37-30. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
The Pittsburgh Steelers have parted way with Randy Fichtner, now they’ll need a new option to call the plays.
The Pittsburgh Steelers knew the offense was in shambles towards the end of the season. Now, there’s going to be a change in the personnel.
The Steelers announced Thursday they have parted ways with offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner following the 2020 season. Ben Roethlisberger deteriorated down the stretch while the run game was almost non-existent. Passes couldn’t travel more than a few yards over the line of scrimmage and the team stalled to pick up any production.
Mike Tomlin won’t be on the hot seat this offseason, but it’s getting warmer by the second. The team needs something to click and if the offense stalls, this top-tier defense will be wasted for another year with players still on rookie deals.
Here are several names the team could hire this offseason.
Three options for the Steelers at offensive coordinator
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Brian Schottenheimer
OC Seattle Seahawks
Although no longer with the team, Brian Schottenheimer’s last job was working with Russell Wilson. Seattle’s offense was one of the league’s best before the midseason mark. Then, everything just fell apart right after the team finished 12-4.
So, why would Schottenheimer be a good fit for Pittsburgh? Simple. He’s different.
The run game for the Steelers was all but eliminated down the stretch. The team relied so much on Roethlisberger’s arm, he was passing over 50 times a game. That’s more than enough for most quarterbacks but Roethlisberger is 38 and was coming off surgery on his elbow.
In Seattle, Schottenheimer tried to have a more balanced approach with Chris Carson, Carlos Hyde and Wilson. Passing worked and the team finished 12th in rushing. Maybe a change of scenery but the same approach works elsewhere?
At worst, he’s worthy of an interview.