One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Could that be what the Steelers are thinking after the Broncos fired Nathaniel Hackett?
Pittsburgh’s offense has struggled mightily under offensive coordinator Matt Canada, and with a change expected to be made, the former Broncos head coach may be on the Steelers’ radar.
There is certainly an argument to be made.
Canada has taken a lot of criticism this season as his offense ranks as the fourth-worst in points per game (17.6). But the Broncos are the worst in the NFL in that category (15.5), and some are hoping it won’t be Hackett because of his 2022 season.
There is a difference between being a head coach and an offensive or defensive coordinator. Many have failed at one and succeeded at the other in the past. Maybe Hackett is the next example.
It is worrisome how fast Hackett’s time in Denver came to an end, after becoming just the fifth head coach in NFL history to be fired before the end of his first season.
However, Hackett does have a good track record as an offensive coordinator. Hackett helped Packers QB Aaron Rodgers win two NFL Most Valuable Player awards, and led the Jaguars, with Blake Bortles at quarterback, to an AFC Championship game.
So, is moving from Canada to Hackett a side step or an upgrade? It’s the question Steelers fans will be asking as their season nears an end and they begin looking to 2023 with hopeful eyes.
