Pittsburgh Steelers QB Coach Mike Sullivan has become a hot name in the offensive coordinator market. Following his reported interview with the Las Vegas Raiders for their open OC spot, Sullivan will interview with the New Orleans Saints for the same position. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted the news moments ago.
After Pittsburgh fired Matt Canada, Sullivan didn’t carry the label of interim OC but served as the team’s play caller to finish the season. His coordinator background gave him the edge, Sullivan calling plays for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Giants previously. It’s not clear when these interviews will take place other than Sullivan speaking with the Raiders before he meets with the Saints.
The Steelers hired Sullivan to be their QB coach for the 2021 season after Canada was promoted from that role to OC, replacing Randy Fichtner. Sullivan has been regarded as a quality coach, his military background infusing discipline and details into his approach.
As noted by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Sullivan has a history with Saints starting QB Derek Carr dating back to before the 2014 NFL Draft. He also coached Carr’s older brother, David, in New York.
The Saints are embarking on their first OC search in 15 years after letting go of longtime OC Pete Carmichael this offseason, though head coach Sean Payton ran the Saints’ offense for many years. New Orleans finished 2023 as the ninth-ranked scoring offense but after failing to make the playoffs for the third-straight season, the organization is looking to shake things up.
Based on Sullivan’s leaguewide interest and the understanding that the Steelers will hire their next OC out-of-house, it looks likely Sullivan won’t be in Pittsburgh in 2024. Meaning, Pittsburgh will have to hire a new QB coach after landing its coordinator.
