Insider: Steelers Rule Out OC Candidate

The Pittsburgh Steelers are going to hire an outside offensive coordinator candidate, and whoever it is will have prior experience as a play-caller in the NFL and a detailed background in developing quarterbacks. 

One option that has been floated around the last two years is former Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich. The former Steelers quarterback won a Super Bowl in Tampa Bay and has been looking to get back into the coaching ranks since being fired. But one Pittsburgh insider says you can rule him out of the running for the Steelers' next OC. 

Speaking with the group on 93.7 The Fan, The Athletic's Mark Kaboly says Leftwich will not be the next offensive coordinator of the Steelers. 

"It's not gonna be Leftwich," Kaboly said. "I could tell you who it's not going to be more than it's going to be." 

Head coach Mike Tomlin said the next offensive coordinator of the Steelers must have expertise in working with a quarterback and be able to utilize the talent Pittsburgh already has available.  

"I want us to be versatile and dynamic," Tomlin said. "Obviously, we have to score more points. We have to keep defenses off balance. I want to utilize all the talent we have at our disposal."

According to Kaboly, Team President Art Rooney II will have a heavy hand in making the hire, and expects the team to begin speaking with candidates while down in Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl. 

"I really do believe Art is gonna have a huge, huge say, so they’re going down to the Senior Bowl here in another week and a half, and Art normally goes down there as well for a day or two. I’m sure they will be talking to some guys there," Kaboly said.