First Call: Kliff Kingsbury to ‘talk to’ Steelers about OC job; Mike Munchak perhaps interested in coaching again

All that in Wednesday’s “First Call.”

King on Kingsbury

According to longtime NFL writer Peter King, the Steelers have plans to speak with former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury about their vacant offensive coordinator position.

“Right now, he’s talked to the Bears, and he’s going to talk to the Steelers — interesting places,” King said Tuesday

on The Fan, 93.7. “The Bears are a team that runs.” The Steelers are a team that runs. I can assure you that if he is hired for one of these positions, the team will be competitive.

At USC, Kingsbury is employed as an offensive analyst at the moment. The NFL Network claims that he also had a conversation with Philadelphia. Shane Waldron was ultimately hired by Chicago as coordinator.

King remarked, “I would be very intrigued.” “This guy has the ability to morph into some of the most intriguing and forward-thinking quarterbacks to have ever played in the history of the game.”

In addition, King suggested in his “Football Morning In America” column that the Steelers consider him for the position Matt Canada had held.

Within that, though, King also suggested the Steelers interview San Francisco 49ers passing game coordinator Klint Kubiak and Los Angeles Rams pass game specialist Jake Peetz. Peetz works with Zac Robinson on Sean McVay’s offensive staff in L.A. Robinson has also been reported as a candidate for the Steelers’ OC job.

Kubiak has been my choice for quite some time.

Do you feel dangeruss?

King also mentioned Russell Wilson as a quarterback candidate for the Steelers during that interview.

King stated, “I wouldn’t rule out Russell Wilson in Pittsburgh.” “I believe Mike Tomlin would prefer a seasoned quarterback if he had his way.”

Wilson, a nine-time Pro Bowl player with the Seahawks, has had a disastrous two years in Denver. He signed a $243 million, five-year contract with Denver. In March 2022, the Broncos sent away tight end Noah Fant, defensive lineman Shelby Harris, quarterback Drew Lock, and two first-round picks as well as two second-round picks and a fifth-round pick.

In order to “maintain financial flexibility,” Wilson was benched at the conclusion of the 2023 season after going 11–19 as a starter there and receiving 100 sacks.

If the Steelers do swing big for another team’s starter at quarterback, I’d prefer Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield or Justin Fields. Even though Wilson put up a 98 passer rating last season, he’d be coming to Pittsburgh on the

drawbacks to his profession.

examining Chubb

The Cleveland Browns are hoping that Nick Chubb can recover from the injury he sustained early in the season at Pittsburgh. It’s uncertain when that will happen.

According to earlier rumors, the Browns planned for the standout running back to make a comeback in 2024. After his second surgery in November, the team restated their intention to have him back on the field for the ’24 season.

It appears that the team is only discussing his return to the field while wearing a Browns uniform. In this comment to WEWS, general manager Andrew Berry seemed to be saying as much, at least.

Since Chubb will be a free agent once 2024 concludes, theoretically, both scenarios may have the same overall effect. This year, his cap hit is expected to be $15.85 million.

Extra Munch?

Mike Munchak, the former offensive line coach for the Steelers, may wish to return to coaching. In particular, he might wish to return to Tennessee to serve as offensive line coach for the Titans.

Before serving as the offensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2014 to 2018, Munchak was the head coach in Nashville from 2011 to 2013.

Paul Kuharsky, who covers the Titans, and former offensive lineman Zach Piller have both shared this information. Kuharsky

discussed the prospect on his website. Piller brought it up on The Zone, a sports radio station in Nashville.

Munchak left the Steelers to coach offensive linemen in Denver and be closer to his kids and grandchildren. The

NFL Hall of Famer took a complete leave of absence from coaching in 2021 to undergo knee surgery.

However, Munchak would now consider coaching again if the fit was right, according to Kuharsky and Piller.

If not Tennessee, could Pittsburgh accommodate that? Though unlikely, I suppose it is feasible. I’m sure Steelers supporters would adore that concept. However, it would rely on the qualities an offensive line coach would look for in a new offensive coordinator. Pat Meyer, the offensive line coach currently in place, might also be kept on.

Staff writer Tim Benz works for the Tribune-Review. Tim may be reached via X or at tbenz@triblive.com. It is possible to repost any tweet. All emails, unless otherwise noted, could be published.