REPORT - Steelers Hiring Former Falcons' HC Arthur Smith As New Offensive Coordinator

The Pittsburgh Steelers were tasked with a foreign concept of having to hire an offensive coordinator from outside the team's building. Matt Canada's tenure was a debacle and after he was fired in the middle of the 2023 season, it was a widely accepted fact that a big name with former play-calling experience would need to be brought in to try and resurrect Kenny Pickett's career. The decision has reportedly been made.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the Steelers are hiring former Atlanta Falcons' Head Coach Arthur Smith as the team's new offensive coordinator. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise given his interview on Sunday and outstanding resume as a play-caller in 2019 and 2020 with the Tennessee Titans. Many members of the media and former players have endorsed this kind of move potentially happening.

Smith was known for running the ball with Derrick Henry while in Tennessee and now will get the chance to do the same with the duo of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. He also helped Ryan Tannehill to have the best season of his career back in 2020 when he threw for 33 touchdowns and tossed just seven interceptions. Head Coach Mike Tomlin wanted a coach with a lot of experience, and he is getting one with Smith.

Pittsburgh may have had other names in mind like Klint Kubiak, but it's clear that the organization wanted to act quickly after interviewing Smith. The Steelers have a strong enough defense to compete for a championship (when healthy) and the missing piece for several years now has been the man in charge of the offense. The Titans were 18-12 in his two seasons in the same position.

While his head coaching tenure with Atlanta didn't go swimmingly, some are better in coordinator positions rather than being tasked with being a team's head coach. Smith seems to fall into that category, but has proven the ability to run an effective, contending offense when he was in Nashville. It's an exciting time for Steelers fans, as a rather big name has been brought in from the outside to lead the team's offensive unit.

Harris and Warren are probably ecstatic to hear this report and for good reason. Henry ran for over 2,000 yards in 2020, which is one of the biggest reasons Smith was able to land a job as a head coach. If the Steelers can find a way to really bolster their offensive line, both Harris and Warren could be in for an absolutely huge year in 2024 and potentially beyond. This isn't the sexiest move, but should work well for Steelers' offense and the entire team as a whole.

Steelers Could Have Dominos Begin To Fall Now That Smith Is New Offensive Coordinator

Pittsburgh can now begin to plan for the rest of 2024 when it comes to the coaching staff. Smith may have certain preferences and fans shouldn't be surprised if some new faces are brought in at his request. Tomlin needs to give him full control of the offense. Now, Smith is tasked with being the guy that gets the most out of Pickett as he enters his third season.

Do you like the hire of Smith as the Steelers' newest offensive coordinator? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation