With Mike Tomlin stepping down, there has been plenty of news surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers. They remain in the hunt for a head coach, but those who were employed on Tomlin's staff have been granted freedom to seek jobs elsewhere. That could open the door to numerous staff changes, regardless of when a new head coach is introduced. The Steelers will look much different.
Arthur Smith has spent the past two seasons as the team’s offensive coordinator and has drawn significant interest this hiring cycle. He scheduled two head coaching interviews, one with the Titans and the other with the Cardinals. Smith has also interviewed with the Lions for their offensive coordinator opening, a highly sought-after position.
It turns out, Smith isn't the only staffer getting interest.
Fan favorite Yinzer, Danny Smith, just had an interview with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pittsburgh would hate to lose one of the best special teams coordinators in football, but this is a tough business. Smith is getting older, so it's unknown how much desire he has to keep pushing forward until he retires. His interview with the Buccaneers shows that he could be willing to coach for a while.
Pittsburgh Steelers could lose special teams coach Danny Smith if they aren't careful
Losing the bubblegum-loving Smith would be a punch to the gut for Steelers Nation. If they brought any coaches back from Tomlin's staff, it seems pretty clear that Smith should be a top priority. He has led one of the NFL’s top special teams units since joining Pittsburgh and continues to excel in that role.
He has spent 13 years with the Steelers, one of the longest tenures under Tomlin.
He has produced a magnificent coaching career that started in 1976. It makes sense for Smith to consider Tampa Bay. He isn't getting any younger, and spending your last few seasons before retirement in Florida might be best for him. Smith is a Pittsburgher through and through. He was born in the city, and his long tenure with the Steelers has been awesome to watch during his long stretch.
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Finding a head coach should be vital for the organization in the immediate future. They continue to hold numerous interviews with a wide range of candidates to replace Tomlin. Just because they are focusing on that doesn't mean they can't consider bringing some current staffers back.
They will likely leave those decisions to the next head coach, but it’s reasonable to let them build on the work of previous coaches.
Smith is someone the Steelers shouldn't let go. He is a local guy whom the fans love and has done terrific work as their special teams coordinator. Losing him before they hire Tomlin's replacement would be a bitter pill to swallow. At 72, it’s unclear how much longer Smith plans to coach, but hopefully, it will be in Pittsburgh. Otherwise, Tampa Bay might be a lovely swan song to his career.