Steelers Could Name Fired Coach Arthur Smith As Their Next Offensive Coordinator

The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves in unfamiliar territory after making a significant mid-season change. Following their Week 11 loss to the Cleveland Browns, the organization took the rare step of firing the struggling offensive coordinator Matt Canada. 

This move marked the first time since 1941 that the Steelers have made such a significant in-season change. While interim offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner and play-caller Mike Sullivan have managed to keep the offense performing at an above-average level, the Steelers are expected to seek a permanent offensive coordinator during the offseason.

Steelers Could Thrive Offensively With Arthur Smith

Brian Batko, a reporter covering the Steelers for the Post-Gazette, recently shared his thoughts on potential candidates the Steelers could consider for the offensive coordinator role. 

Among the names he mentioned, one stood out: Arthur Smith. Despite Smith's recent firing as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Batko believes his previous work with the Tennessee Titans make him a viable candidate for the Steelers to consider.

“Arthur Smith was fired first thing Monday as the Falcons’ head coach. But his stellar work with a play-action-heavy offense in Tennessee and reviving Ryan Tannehill’s career is why he got the keys in Atlanta to begin with. Hitching his wagon to Desmond Ridder at quarterback didn’t go so well for him, though.”

Smith's tenure with the Atlanta Falcons failed in 2023 ending with a 7-10 season and no postseason berth, ultimately resulting in his dismissal. The Falcons' performance was inconsistent, and Smith's decision to bet on Desmond Ridder at quarterback did not yield the desired results.

It was Smith's reputation for orchestrating a play-action-heavy offense and calling plays effectively for the Titans that earned him the opportunity to lead the Falcons. Batko argues that while Smith may not have thrived as a head coach, his expertise in designing offenses and calling plays cannot be denied. 

“Some folks aren't head coach material, but are still excellent at designing an offense and calling plays. Perhaps Smith fits that description, and there’s no doubt his reputation would align with the Steelers’ personnel and philosophy on offense.”

While some may scoff at the idea of hiring Smith as an offensive coordinator after his recent firing, his track record with the Titans indicates that he could be a valuable addition to the Steelers' coaching staff. When evaluating Smith's suitability as the Steelers' offensive coordinator, it's crucial to take the quarterback situation into account. With the reports indicating the Steelers' confidence in Kenny Pickett as their franchise quarterback, there is a need for Smith to contribute to his success and development.

Batko emphasizes that Smith's reputation for offensive innovation and play-calling proficiency aligns seamlessly with the Steelers' offensive objectives. The Steelers have a rich history of success and a specific offensive philosophy that centers around a strong running game and a balanced passing attack. Smith's ability to design schemes that maximize his players' strengths could make him an ideal candidate to lead the Steelers' offense. 

While the idea of hiring Smith as the Steelers' offensive coordinator may raise eyebrows for some, his past accomplishments and offensive acumen should not be underestimated. His track record with the Titans, particularly in reviving a failing quarterback's career and implementing a successful play-action-heavy offense, demonstrates his potential to make a significant impact on the Steelers' offense. 

As the Steelers continue their search for a permanent offensive coordinator this offseason, Smith's name is worth considering as they seek to refine and elevate their offensive strategies for the future.

#SteelerNation