Being a coach in the NFL is an elite fraternity. There are not many job openings, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the smallest staffs in the league. Landing an NFL job takes years of hard work, but it's much easier to lose that position once you get it rather than hold onto it. Every coach has an expiration date, except Mike Tomlin.
Prior coaches of the Steelers have struggled to find new homes.
The United Football League has created new opportunities not only for players but coaches. It's a spot where guys can have a good season and possibly get a call to join an NFL franchise. Former members of Pittsburgh's coaching staff could use the UFL as a rebound. Using spring football to rebrand their career might be their best course of action.
It's time for Ex-Steelers coaches to rebound in the UFL for a second chance
Joey Porter (Steelers outside linebackers coach 2015-2018)
With Joey Porter Jr. on the Steelers, it's hard to imagine his father getting back into coaching for now. But then again, perhaps his father, Jory Porter Sr, might have an itch to get back into coaching. He once held the job of outside linebackers coach in Pittsburgh, but that was a failed experiment overall. Porter has gone on to hold other jobs at the collegiate level and in spring football.
Porter is no stranger to the UFL, as he held the linebackers coach role with the San Antonio Brahmas in 2023. He didn't last long, but he is someone with prior experience with the UFL. He could get a second opportunity in the league if he wants to return to coaching. There are no guarantees that he will desire a job since his son plays in the NFL.
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Matt Canada (Steelers quarterbacks coach/offensive coordinator 2020-2023)
Perhaps the most despised coach in recent Steelers history is Matt Canada. He was with the coaching staff for three seasons, and it only got worse the longer he was with the club. Canada led one of the most predictable offenses in NFL history. He seemed to struggle as the offensive coordinator, even at the most basic schematics. It was an ugly sight to behold.
After getting booed out of Pittsburgh, Canada has struggled to find a new job in football.
He will have options at some point with his lengthy resume in college and professional football. Perhaps a shot in the United Football League would get his feet back under him. If he wants to stick to professional football, a strong season calling plays for an offense in the UFL would help get his career back on track.
Carnell Lake (Steelers defensive backs coach 2011-2017)
Pittsburgh was home to Carnell Lake as a player and as a coach for many years. He helped tutor their secondary for seven years before both parties moved in another direction. Since he left the Steelers, his coaching career hasn't been great. He still wants to hold the profession, but he hasn't held an NFL job since. He hasn't opposed joining spring football to revive his career.
Lake has been bouncing around from start-up spring leagues since 2022 and coached for the Memphis Showboats from 2023 to 2024 as their defensive coordinator. Having that experience on his resume should help his NFL comeback, but he must have quality performances behind his defensive attack. Lake might be best suited to join a UFL juggernaut to get his NFL opportunity.
Todd Haley (Steelers offensive coordinator 2012-2017)
Canada was an offensive coordinator many hated, but Todd Haley might've been one of the most disappointing in Steelers history.
He helped command the Killer B's, but notable success never materialized under Haley's direction. Ben Roethlisberger had a tiff with the former offensive coordinator, and things have declined for the former play caller. He hasn't seen an NFL coaching job since 2018.
Haley has boatloads of NFL experience on his resume, and he has participated in spring football before. His joining the UFL makes plenty of sense if he is willing to return to coaching. With the United Football League expanding this year, it would make sense to offer a top job to Haley. He might not have succeeded in Pittsburgh, but he could help a team in the UFL take their team to another level.
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