JotCast | Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: Matt Canada fired edition

Ray Fittipaldo's Steelers chat: Matt Canada fired edition

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Ray Fittipaldo

11:32

Would he have to give up his podcast?

RollingRock33

11:32

There was no choice imo, something had to be done. Do you think this will make any difference? I do not.

Ray Fittipaldo

11:32

Can things get any worse?

Ken

11:32

Bet you there are a few others worried about their jobs now. I.E. Pickett, Dan Moore, Najee Harris, Harvin to name a few. What say you?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:33

Unless Pickett continues to regress I don't see them making a change at QB. Part of this decision is evaluating your first-round QB and I think they'd like to know what he looks like with a competent coordinator.

Live4steel

11:33

Player reaction? Very energized I assume? Faulkner is well liked in the locker room?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:34

Tuesday is players day off. That's part of the reason the move was made today,. The team met yesterday and went over the Browns tape. Tuesday is a big game-planning day for the upcoming opponent. We'll get player reaction tomorrow when they're back in the buidling.

Steve

11:36

Do you think Khan/Weidl will get an OC that fits this specific offense, or they will get an OC that they want to transform the offense into their vision?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:37

Typically, Tomlin makes the hires on his staff. However, given the inability to find a capable OC for the past six years, perhaps the GM and assistant GM can point him in the right direction. But they won't make the hire.

Guest

11:37

Now that the scapegoat was fired, doesn't the rest of the season reflect primarily on Tomlin?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:37

He's the head coach. The buck stops with him.

Big Ed

11:38

If changes shake out as reported (Faulkner/Sullivan split), what are some game day changes casual fans could expect?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:38

Not sure the Faulkner thing is true.

TX Pressure

11:39

What does this say about Tomlin that he didn't make this move last off season or have any plan in place if the offense struggled this year? The personnel decisions and his coaching decisions have put this team behind the 8 ball - when will he be evaluated or will some of his duties be taken away like coaching and personnel decisions.

Ray Fittipaldo

11:41

I don't think any duties will be stripped from Tomlin. However, down the road, when he does leave, I think the Canada hire and subsequent seasons of ineptitude will be the main reason he's no longer the head coach of the Steelers. Not saying that happens after this season. Or even 2024, but it will be a reason.

Big Ed

11:42

How much did Najee's post-game comments weigh on ARII, do you think? Najee's been a good soldier throughout the rebuild and is seemingly respected ...

Ray Fittipaldo

11:43

I'm sure it was part of the calculation. When players stop believing it can get dangerous. And Harris plays on offense. What do you think the players on defense think? They're the ones busting their butts to limit teams to 13 points and end up losing the game. I'm sure Rooney was thinking about the entire team.

John from Toronto

11:45

Hi Ray. On the penultimate 4th quarter drive the Steelers had first down at the Browns 40. The next three plays generated -5 yards before punting. In hindsight, should Canada have sent Boswell in for a field goal attempt on first down? Might he still have a job today if he did?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:45

Tomlin makes the calls on field goals. The OC doesn't make that decision.

kevin in Punxy

11:45

Hi Ray. Why are the Steelers promoting Faulkner to OC if MS is going to call the plays. Isn't that what a OC does?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:45

As I stated above, I don't think the Fauklner thing is true. Who reported that?

Jay Daven

11:46

Ray, they should hire John Gruden as their OC. What do you think?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:46

Definitely would be qualified, but there is some baggage there.

Guest

11:47

Does this signal AR has some doubts about Tomlin and his ability to select coaches? Reports are that AR and minority owners are huddling about next OC.Is MT in those meetings and if not, that says a lot

Ray Fittipaldo

11:47

Obviously, yes.

11:47

Why would anyone want our OC position given our QB situation?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:48

There are some good skill position players. Warren, Harris, Pickens, Johnson, Freiermuth.

Darrin

11:49

are we going to be stuck with mike sullivan next year or will there be a "legit" search for a new OC?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:49

After two promotions from within I am thinking Rooney will encourage someone from outside the building this time.

Pickett Line

11:49

Are the players relieved? Or was there some that still supported MC?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:50

I think many of the skill position players will be thrilled with the news.

Marnie

11:51

Do you know how "hands -on" Tomlin is with the offensive game planning? A good OC is likely not going to want to come to PGH if they don't have some autonomy in designing plays, game planning, and calling plays during the game.

Ray Fittipaldo

11:51

Tomlin is in his 17th season. He's deeply involved in all aspects of the team.

brianbluechip

11:51

After Art II had to make this decision for him, do you think Tomlin's seat is at least warm?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:52

Not imminent, but as I mentioned earlier this move by Rooney shows he's not going to sit around and watch his first-round QB regress.

AtlantaDan

11:52

Hi Ray - in an online chat several weeks ago you wrote with regard to Mike Tomlin and his history of hiring assistant coaches that “My theory is he doesn't know how to identify or recruit good young assistants or those quality guys simply don't want to work for him because they don't view Pittsburgh as a franchise where they can advance their careers.”

Ray Fittipaldo

11:54

Yes I did. I stand by that, but a good position coach isn't going to turn down an opportunity to coordinate. That's a steppingstone for a head coaching job if it goes well.

Joey

11:54

Riverboat Ron gets fired between now and the end of the season .. Does Eric Bieniemy become the most desired candidate ?

Ray Fittipaldo

11:54

I'm sure a lot of coaches will be fired between now and the end of the season.

Vegas Vinnie

11:55

Do you think some of the players quit trying in the loss to the Browns? It sure looked that way.

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