Report: Former Falcons HC Arthur Smith interviewing for Steelers offensive coordinator position

The Steelers offensive coordinator search continues! On championship Sunday, a new hat was thrown into the ring as NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith will interview for the position.

Here was that news, which Pelissero tweeted out:

“Former Falcons coach Arthur Smith is interviewing today for the #Steelers offensive coordinator job, per sources.”

The Atlanta Falcons chose to part ways with Smith after three seasons under his guide following their third consecutive season with a 7-10 finish in the regular season and a missed opportunity at the playoffs and NFC South title, which has been the worst division in football for the past two seasons.

Prior to landing a head coaching gig with Atlanta, Smith was a longtime staffer in many different roles with the Tennessee Titans. He joined their staff as a quality control coach and remained with the Titans through multiple coaching staffs, and really found his footing under Mike Vrabel.

In 2019, Smith was elevated to offensive coordinator under Vrabel and until his departure for the Falcons, he led one of the NFL’s best rushing offenses behind superstar running back Derrick Henry. He was also able to get the best out of Ryan Tannehill, who started in and won a few playoff games as the Tennessee quarterback after a largely unsuccessful run in Miami previously.

With some head coaching experience, and a darn good track record as an offensive coordinator, especially with his ability to generate an efficient rushing attack, Pittsburgh is looking into a very solid candidate for their OC job.

More on Steelers OC vacancy

By Nikki Chavanelle

The Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking outside the organization for the team’s next offensive coordinator, head coach Mike Tomlin revealed to reporters earlier this month during his end-of-season press conference. Since firing offensive coordinator Matt Canada in late November, the team moved running backs coach Eddie Faulkner into the role of interim OC.

Now that the 2023 season is done, Tomlin is on the hunt for a new play-caller. He said on Thursday that Faulker and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan would not be considered for promotion. The Steelers offense put up 17 points in the loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round.

Under Matt Canada, the Steelers were the first team in NFL history to be out-gained on offense in the first eight games of the season, and still have a winning record. Despite having a history of keeping coaches through the full slate of games, Tomlin chose to fire the coordinator in the middle of the season due to the offense’s performances.