It wasn’t the way Eddie Faulkner envisioned taking on the biggest role of his career. He has been friends with Matt Canada and their families for over a decade. After the Pittsburgh Steelers fired Canada as their offensive coordinator, Faulkner, the running backs coach, was given the opportunity to take over. Faulkner is grateful for the chance but is also sensitive to the circumstances that led to his promotion.
As the interim coordinator, Faulkner, who understands the gravity of his new role, will work with quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan to guide the team’s offense as they prepare to face Cincinnati. This move puts Faulkner in a small group of Black men currently holding this position in the NFL, a role often seen as a stepping stone to a head coaching position.
His primary task is to revamp the struggling 28th-ranked offense and help quarterback Kenny Pickett progress. Faulkner plans to maintain a collaborative approach by utilizing the resources on his staff and building on the existing playbook rather than implementing drastic changes mid-season.
Over the past five years working with the running backs, Faulkner has gained a reputation for his resourcefulness and energy. As he steps into his new position, he plans to bring that same spirit to the offensive coordination. While there will be an emphasis on enhancing the passing game, Faulkner intends to leverage the running backs, Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris, who have been instrumental in the Steelers’ recent rushing success.
Despite the unexpected change, Faulkner is focused on the immediate task at hand – preparing for the upcoming game against the Bengals.
