The announcement of the Pittsburgh Steelers' new offensive coordinator, former Head Coach Arthur Smith, stirred a diverse range of reactions across the Steeler Nation.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers interviewed former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith for their offensive coordinator opening.
Anticipated to sign a three-year agreement, as per Gerry Dulac's report, Smith formally takes over the position from Matt Canada, who was fired after Week 11.
Smith has not officially signed a contract, but he and the Steelers have agreed on what is expected to be a three-year deal. https://t.co/ZkENddnpOi
— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) January 30, 2024
Wednesday morning on The Carton Show, former Steelers offensive lineman, Willie Colon expressed his disapproval of the hire.
"Yeah, I hate it. Yeah, I'm not a fan of it. You're talking about his tenure in Atlanta, man, 7-10."
Colon further asserted that, in his opinion, Smith's achievements as an offensive coordinator in Tennessee were attributed to the presence of skilled playmakers such as Ryan Tannehill, A.J. Brown, and Derrick Henry.
"He had some horses. That's why the offense was good back in 2019."
Mark Schlereth held a contrasting opinion, asserting that Smith's downturn in Atlanta was a consequence of the poor draft selection of Desmond Ridder and his significant commitment to the young quarterback.
"Smith was trying to morph this offense into a 'Desmond Ridder needs to be our guy' [type offense] when they really needed to be like, 'Hey, Desmond Ridder isn't the guy.'"
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Steelers new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith with the Tennessee Titans.
Schlereth further asserted how well Smith knows running the football, highlighting his ability to draw up good play-action off of that. Kenny Pickett or Mason Rudolph being the QB1 in 2024 is yet to be seen.
However, as Schlereth highlights, the crucial distinction lies in the fact that Smith did not select Pickett. Smith doesn't have the same ties to the QB room as he did in Atlanta, and thus he should be able to focus on going back to their grassroots or running the ball with Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Najee Harris (22) and Jaylen Warren (30).
Steelers Looking To Build On Run Game
Will improving the running game under Smith be enough to end the Steelers' playoff win drought? Did he fall victim to investing and putting his chips into the wrong QB in Atlanta? Or is Colon right in his disapproval of the hire by his former team?
"I'm looking at this team right now, and I love my Steelers through and through, but they need to find a QB, and they need to find an OC who matches what they want to do," explained Colon.
Ultimately, as opinions on the hire diverge, one constant remains: Steelers Owner Art Rooney II has explicitly stated that the responsibility for this decision lies with Head Coach Mike Tomlin. Rooney has continued to express his support for Tomlin as well.
"I still feel good about Mike. Obviously, if I didn't, [we] would make a change, but if we didn't think Mike was able to lead us to a championship, he wouldn't be here and that's why he is here."
AP Photo
Steelers Team President Art Rooney II (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right).
Only time will reveal the true implications of this significant change in the Steelers' coaching staff. Buckle up, because this offseason will be one to watch as the team strives to improve the offensive line and perhaps, even the quarterback situation. Who knows, maybe we'll see a little Ryan Tannehill acquisition and a reunion with Smith.
Was Smith the optimal choice for the Steelers? What are your thoughts on Colon's remarks? Share your rationale in the comments section.
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