Few are looking past the news surrounding Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers in recent days. It was a tragic end to a 19-year run that was truly historic. With plenty of coaches looking to become head coaches in the NFL around now, Pittsburgh now become one of the top openings.
It will be interesting to see how long it takes to replace Tomlin and how that individual will fill out their staff.
Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is an interesting piece who could be retained by the next head coach of the Steelers. He has extensive experience as a head coach and in various offensive roles. Bringing him back could help convince Aaron Rodgers to return, if that is what the team desires. Otherwise, Pittsburgh could see a complete overhaul of its coaching staff in the coming weeks.
No matter what the Steelers decide regarding Smith’s future as offensive coordinator, it may be irrelevant.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, their offensive play caller continues to garner head coaching interest around the NFL. Initially, the Tennessee Titans sought to interview Smith, and the Arizona Cardinals have emerged as another option. They could be looking for a new coordinator soon.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could witness OC Arthur Smith leave town to become a head coach
Witnessing Smith gain interviews for head coach vacancies should be surprising to many.
Smith has held a top job before, and that didn't work out well with the Atlanta Falcons. Since joining Pittsburgh in 2024, his impact has been modest. As their offensive coordinator, Smith hasn't done anything to write home about. He did bring a level of professionalism back to the offense that was missing.
Other than providing more stability in play-calling, Smith has struggled as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator. The group’s performance was inconsistent, but its talent pool was limited. He had to work with an ancient Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and a draft bust in Justin Fields. He worked well with those signal callers, but not well enough.
READ MORE: Breaking down the Steelers’ best OC replacements if Arthur Smith bails
It appears the Steelers will be looking for a new offensive coordinator whenever they hire a head coach to replace Tomlin. Smith has attracted significant attention, and the Titans’ head coaching job makes him a logical candidate. That job isn't desirable, but Smith has connections to that franchise. It was his success as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator that led to his first head coaching job.
When it comes to Arizona, it makes little sense for them to want Smith as their next head coach.
It's nice that he has prior experience and has shown he can help stabilize a poor quarterback situation, but that shouldn't be the direction they go in. There are better choices out there to become the next head coach of your team, and Smith might have to look for a job outside of Pittsburgh soon if he can't surprise everyone and get a top gig.