There has been a consistent link between Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and the Tennessee Titans head coach vacancy. It will be interesting to see how things play out this offseason for the Steelers' offensive play caller, but he should have a shot at the job. Even though their offense has been inconsistent under Smith, he has brought professionalism to the group.
If Smith leaves for another coaching job in 2026, there could be an abundance of job interviews to replace him on Mike Tomlin's staff.
Pittsburgh’s longtime head coach has a clear preference for experienced coaches, a factor that contributed to Smith joining the organization. If he leaves, Tomlin could go in a myriad of directions, including young, experienced, or big-time candidates to be the new offensive coordinator.
Pittsburgh Steelers could have an array of candidates to replace their OC Arthur Smith
Tom Arth, Steelers QB coach
Will Aaron Rodgers return? And if so, he could be a factor in who becomes Smith's replacement. Rodgers and Tom Arth were teammates during their playing careers, creating an existing connection. The Steelers are known for promoting from within, particularly among quarterback coaches. Arth is a young coach who has done a solid job with the retread quarterbacks he has been forced to work with.
Brian Daboll, former Giants head coach
Tomlin felt compelled to hire a former head coach as offensive coordinator with Smith, and he could do that again with Brian Daboll.
Despite failing as the Giants’ head coach, he is an intriguing candidate given his past success as an offensive playcaller. He helped Josh Allen turn into a superstar, and Pittsburgh could lean on Daboll to develop a young signal-caller if they take one early in the draft.
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Antwaan Randel El, Bears Assistant head coach/WR
A notable shortcoming during Tomlin’s tenure has been the limited inclusion of Steelers alumni on his coaching staff in recent years. Antwaan Randel El has been shooting up the ranks recently and has been a boost to the surging Chicago Bears. Randel El was a former receiver for Pittsburgh and could make a ton of sense to finally emerge as a top offensive coordinator candidate to replace Smith.
Nate Scheelhaase, Rams passing game coordinator
The Rams’ offensive success each season often leads to their staff being hired by other teams. Tomlin interviewed Zac Robinson to be the Steelers' offensive coordinator before hiring Smith, who was with the Rams at the time. Nate Scheelhaase is the next in line for a promotion from Los Angeles. He is a young offensive mind who could help transform their offense into the modern age.