As the Pittsburgh Steelers look to make adjustments heading into the post-season, news has surfaced that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has been requested for an interview by the New York Jets for their head coaching vacancy. While this may seem like a potential opportunity for Smith, it raises significant questions for a Steelers franchise that has struggled to find offensive consistency in recent years.
Pittsburgh’s 2024 regular season ended with considerable frustration. The Steelers’ offense struggled mightily. Smith’s group ranked 23rd in total yards, with just 5,430 yards accumulated on the year, a far cry from the high-flying offenses Pittsburgh once had before the previous two coordinators.
The team finished the season on a four-game losing streak, a worrying sign that raised further concerns about the offensive identity. Adding to the issue, the Steelers ranked 27th in passing yards per game, averaging just 192 yards — a statistic that underscores the struggles in their aerial attack.
For Steelers fans, the offensive inefficiencies have been a bitter pill to swallow. It’s been years since Pittsburgh was revered as a dominant offensive force, and the constant cycle of mediocrity has left many wondering if 2025 will finally be the year for change.
While Smith’s tenure has had its share of challenges, his potential departure could mark the beginning of a new era — but not necessarily for the better. Losing Smith could be a blow to a team already trying to revamp its offensive structure.
Steelers could benfit from Arthur Smith relocating to a new franchise
If Smith were to land the head coach position with the Jets, the Steelers would face the difficult task of finding a new offensive coordinator, potentially derailing the momentum they hope to carry into the next season. Stability has been hard for Pittsburgh’s offensive coaching staff in recent years, and another shift could lead to more uncertainty at a time when the team needs to focus on improvement.
However, the possibility of Smith’s promotion could also present an opportunity for the Steelers. With his departure, Pittsburgh would be forced to re-evaluate its offensive program and possibly explore fresh perspectives.
The organization has been desperate for change, and a shake-up could open the door to new ideas that help unlock the potential of their current roster.
While it would be unfortunate for the Steelers to lose Smith, it might also signal the beginning of a much-needed reset. With 2025 potentially shaping up as a year of change, whether Smith stays or leaves, Pittsburgh must take a hard look at its offensive future and make the necessary adjustments to regain its offensive identity.