New Orleans Saints Offensive Coordinator Search: Steelers Mike Sullivan Expected to Interview
Throughout the 2023 NFL season, many criticized the New Orleans Saints for not making a change at offensive coordinator as that side of the ball continued to struggle. One team that did make such a change found immediate improvement from their offense. The Pittsburgh Steelers moved in from Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada and turned over play calling duties to Quarterbacks Coach Mike Sullivan.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan reacts on the sidelines against the New England Patriots
Dec 7, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan reacts on the sidelines against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. New England won 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Now, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Saints will interview Sullivan for their open offensive coordinator spot. When Pittsburgh made their change last season, the team's offense went from generating 16.6 points per game over the first 10 to averaging 22.1 per over the last seven. A point and a half below the Saints' output of 23.6
Furthermore, the Steelers have not impressed in developing quarterback talent after the departure of Ben Roethlisberger. Players like Mason Rudolph and Kenny Pickett have not done much convincing. It feels that Sullivan may one of the more underwhelming candidates on the Saints' list thus far. But it is a good thing that the team is building a lengthy list of potential candidates rather than marrying themselves to just a few names.
Sullivan's past experience as an offensive coordinator will not inspire much confidence either. While his 2012 stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers yielded respectfully-ranked offenses in scoring (No. 13) and total yardage (No. 9), his 2013 offense with the Bucs finished No. 30 and No. 32 in those same rankings respectively. His 2016 New York Giants finished No. 26 in scoring and No. 25 in total yardage.
