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The Steelers hired Pat Meyer as their new offensive line coach on Tuesday, and the instant reaction from most fans and the media was negative. The Steelers went outside the organization to make a hire, and people were still unhappy, mostly because it wasn't former Steelers offensive line coach and Hall of Famer Mike Munchak.
Munchak was let go after the Broncos hired new head coach Nathaniel Hackett, but who knows if Munchak wants to continue to coach or come back to Pittsburgh. The Panthers' offensive line wasn't very good under Meyer either, and he was fired after the 2021 season, so that's another reason why people are not high on the hire. However, Meyer has 20 years of coaching experience and had success with the Chargers as their offensive line coach from 2017-2019. The Chargers were tied for seventh in the NFL in rushing yards per carry (4.5) in 2018. And in 2017, the Chargers allowed the fewest sacks in the league, surrendering just 18.
Other than Munchak, most people couldn't name a single offensive line coach out there that the Steelers should have hired. So, it's really a wait-and-see type of thing with Meyer. He deserves a chance to show that he's capable of leading the offensive line and developing the likes of Kendrick Green, Dan Moore Jr. and Kevin Doston.
On the surface, Meyer seems to be a much better hire than Adrian Klemm. At least Meyer has experience as an offensive line coach in the NFL. Klemm had no experience in regards to being an offensive line coach at the pro level.
Since Munchak left for Denver following the 2018 season, the Steelers have promoted from within twice and both hires were unsuccessful.
Shaun Sarrett's contract wasn't renewed last year, and his replacement Adrian Klemm accepted a position with Oregon before the 2021 season even ended.
Assistant offensive line coach Chris Morgan filled in for the rest of the season after the Week 16 loss to the Chiefs. Morgan was hired as the Bears offensive line coach earlier this month.
The Steelers are hoping for some stability under Meyer, and for his assistance in helping improve the run game that has ranked 29th or worse since 2018.
Meyer is the second coach from the Panthers staff last year to be hired by Tomlin. On Feb. 8, the Steelers named Frisman Jackson as their wide receivers coach.