Randy Fichtner is once again being projected as the Steelers’ choice to replace Todd Haley as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator.
Randy Fichtner is once again being projected as the Steelers’ choice to replace Todd Haley as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator.
Three days after ESPN’s Adam Schefter tabbed him as the favorite to replace Haley (who reportedly won’t be back as Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator), NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirmed that Fichtner is in line to take over as the Steelers’ play caller next season.
The 54-year-old Fichtner has been in coaching since 1986. After 21 seasons at the collegiate level, Fichtner broke into the NFL as the Steelers’ wide receivers coach in 2007, Mike Tomlin’s first season as Pittsburgh’s head coach. Fichtner was moved into his current role as quarterbacks coach in 2010.
During the 2017 season, Fichtner went from the coach’s booth to the sideline, a move that some thought was an indication of Ben Roethlisberger’s relationship with Haley, which was been reported as tenuous on several occasions. By all accounts, it seems that Fichtner and Big Ben have a very strong rapport, something that would certainly make him a strong candidate for the job as offensive coordinator if the Steelers decide to part with Haley.
It was also reported on Wednesday that Mike Tomlin has told his defensive staff that they will be back next year, as the Steelers quickly laying down the foundation for the upcoming season.