Iowa fans will always remember how dominant running back Kaleb Johnson was during the 2024 season.
KJ was the only semblance of offense for the Hawkeyes that season, as multiple injuries and inconsistencies plagued the quarterback room.
The Hawkeyes were down to fourth-string quarterback Jackson Stratton at one point, but that didn't stop Johnson from having a record-breaking season.
During the 2024 season, Johnson tallied 1,537 rushing yards and a school-record 21 rushing touchdowns, leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to select him with the No. 83 overall pick in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Even though he was a high draft pick, his rookie season was less than stellar, and Pittsburgh's GM had an interesting statement regarding his first pro season.
Omar Khan was 'disappointed' by Johnson's rookie season
We all know what Johnson is capable of when he gets the proper volume of carries, but Pittsburgh general manager Omar Khan seems to think it was mostly Johnson's fault for his poor play.
Omar Khan on Kaleb Johnson:
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) February 24, 2026
"Obviously what you guys saw on the field was disappointing. It's got to be better, but we see it on the practice field. We knew what he did in college and I'd expect Kaleb to turn the corner."
No one knows why Khan threw Johnson under the bus for his rookie struggles last season, considering he got only 28 carries all season.
Saying he "needs to turn a corner" after barely being on the field is a wild statement that further proves why a coaching change could be exactly what the doctor ordered for Johnson.
We are not sure why, but KJ was buried on the Pittsburgh RB depth chart and seemed to be in the doghouse for most of the season.
Mike Tomlin never put him on the field, instead electing to give all the snaps to Jaylen Warren and veteran Kenneth Gainwell, but with Tomlin out and Mike McCarthy in, Johnson has a chance for a fresh start with a new coaching staff.
Playing Johnson in only 10 games with a mere 28 carries is no where close to the volume he needs to establish a rythm, and hopefully McCarthy gives him a fair shot to show what he is capable of next season.