Steelers Nation’s overreactions: Arthur Smith appointed as new offensive coordinator

I have occasionally been known to refer to some Steelers supporters by derogatory terms, particularly in this column. These labels include spoilt, entitled, and occasionally ignorant. I would also want to include fickle on the list this week.

That’s because much of the stuff I write on my blog is a response to their irrational outrage about whatever news that makes the rounds. Hiring a new offensive coordinator was one of the biggest offseason topics for the Steelers, one that was sure to elicit both favorable and negative emotions.

The Steelers and Mike Tomlin have come under fire over the years for the coordinators they have hired and fired. For example, in 2011 Bruce Arians was not as popular as he is now because he let quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to be benched 215 times in five seasons. Promoted from his position as quarterbacks coach on Bill Cowher’s staff to offensive coordinator for Tomlin, he was a “inside” hiring.

Todd Haley, an outside recruit, took Arians’ position as the Steelers offensive coordinator and oversaw one of the league’s top offenses for a number of years. Haley’s contract was not renewed, though, because of his disagreements with Roethlisberger.

Randy Fichtner, an internal recruit who was Big Ben’s quarterback coach, was Haley’s replacement. Fichtner would falter, and Matt Canada—who was also promoted from the QB position—would take his place. However, Canada would only play quarterback for one season.

Canada, on the other hand, stood for the fans’ requests to locate someone outsider who might provide novel ideas from the collegiate ranks. As the Steelers are ready to introduce Arthur Smith, the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, as Canada’s replacement, we all know how that unfortunately ended.

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