Roethlisberger Unveils Offseason Strategy to Revitalize Steelers
Ben Roethlisberger recently shared his thoughts on revitalizing the Pittsburgh Steelers during his Footbahlin podcast. He expressed his desire to consult on the team’s search for a new head coach, advocating for a significant shift in coaching strategy. Roethlisberger believes the franchise should prioritize hiring an offensive-minded coach to enhance their offensive capabilities.
Roethlisberger’s Offseason Strategy for the Steelers
Focus on Offensive Coaching
Roethlisberger emphasized the importance of hiring a younger, offensive-minded head coach. He mentioned that the Steelers have historically favored defensive-minded coaches and feels it is time for a change. “I want to score more than six points in a postseason game,” he asserted, underlining the immediate need for offensive improvement.
Among the candidates linked to the Steelers, only three—Nate Scheelhaase, Klay Kubiak, and Mike McCarthy—have offensive backgrounds. While he supports McCarthy, Roethlisberger prefers a fresh face leading the offense, preferably someone who has not yet held a head coaching position.
Pairing with a Veteran Defensive Coordinator
Roethlisberger’s vision includes hiring a veteran defensive coordinator to ensure stability. He called for someone who could remain committed to the Steelers for several years, echoing the loyalty of respected former coordinator Dick LeBeau. Candidates such as Gus Bradley and Wink Martindale have been mentioned as potential fits for this role.
Maintaining Veteran Presence
With an aging roster, Roethlisberger cautioned against a complete overhaul. He advocates for retaining key veterans to preserve the team’s culture, stating, “I think some of those guys should stay. Absolutely.” He believes continuity is essential for the team as they navigate this transition.
Investment in Young Talent
Looking toward the future, Roethlisberger suggested beginning quarterback Will Howard, a sixth-round pick in 2025, should be given ample time to develop. He advised against drafting a new quarterback for the next two to three years, believing teams should first build a solid roster around their signal-caller. “Build a team and put your quarterback in it,” he stated.
Strategic Roster Building
As the Steelers prepare for the upcoming seasons, Roethlisberger believes focusing on the offensive line and skill positions is crucial. The team’s previous struggles highlighted the need for proper support when introducing a new quarterback. Roethlisberger is determined to ensure that the next young quarterback does not face the same challenges that Kenny Pickett encountered.
A Call for Cultural Reset
In summary, Roethlisberger’s offseason strategy for revitalizing the Steelers revolves around a modern offensive philosophy, a steadfast culture, and a commitment to building a supportive roster. His insights aim to guide Pittsburgh in establishing a competitive team for the future while ensuring that new talents thrive rather than falter.
