Why Steelers' OC search proves they're finally open to change

The Steelers offense has been stuck in the past for several years now, but they haven't done anything to catch up with the times, hiring in-house candidates year after year. Here is why that will finally come to an end in 2024.

Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters that Pittsburgh is looking at outside options for its new offensive coordinator. This began on Monday when the team requested an interview with Rams pass-game coordinator Zac Robinson, per NFL reporter Albert Breer.

The Steelers need a young offensive coordinator like Robinson to truly modernize their offense. The 37-year-old has been learning under head coach Sean McVay since joining Los Angeles in 2019.

The McVay and Kyle Shanahan offenses have defined the modern NFL for years, and should Pittsburgh hire him, Robinson can bring what he has learned to the team's young and talented roster.

Outside of the question marks at quarterback, the Steelers offense has all the pieces it needs to be one of the league's best.

Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren form one of the better running back duos in the NFL and the team has a ton of upside in the passing game across wide receivers Diontae Johnson and George Pickens and tight end Pat Freiermuth.

The Rams had one of the best offenses in the league, averaging the seventh most total yards per game (359.3) in 2023. Robinson could translate that to the Steelers, who have been longing for offensive success for a while now.

There's no guarantee Pittsburgh will hire Robinson as its next OC, however. He has been a popular name across the NFL for teams searching for offensive coordinators.

Robinson reportedly already completed an interview with the Saints while the Bears, Patriots and Raiders have also shown interest in him.

Whether or not Robinson lands with the Steelers, Pittsburgh has shown it's ready to take talent from some of the top coaching trees, which is a sign of growth in recognizing they need outside help.