The Pittsburgh Steelers' recent decision to hire former Atlanta Falcons Head Coach Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator sent shockwaves through the fan base. However, the football world's experts have overwhelmingly supported the Steelers' choice, considering it a promising move.
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com
Steelers' new Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith made his name known after a great two year run as the Tennessee Titans play-caller from 2019-2020.
Smith's impressive track record as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans during two successful seasons has solidified his reputation as a mastermind of offensive football.
Steelers' New Offensive Coordinator Has A Proven Track Record Of Success
During his tenure with the Titans, Smith achieved remarkable success. He played a pivotal role in guiding the Titans to multiple playoff victories, reviving the career of quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and orchestrating one of the NFL's most potent offenses. His impact on the Titans was undeniable, and his experience as an offensive coordinator established him as a top-tier candidate for any NFL team seeking an offensive mastermind.
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Steelers new OC Arthur Smith.
To gain insight into Smith's excitement and perspective on his new role in Pittsburgh, Teresa Varley of Steelers.com sat down with him for an exclusive interview. Smith began by expressing his genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity to join the Steelers organization.
"It's such a unique opportunity to be able to work for an organization like the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the history and the culture here, and the opportunity to work with Mike Tomlin, to me it's a perfect cultural fit."
He emphasized the rich history and enduring culture that make the Steelers a standout franchise. He also highlighted the chance to work alongside the renowned Head Coach Mike Tomlin as a crucial factor in his decision. Tomlin's stellar record, characterized by 17 seasons without a single losing campaign, speaks volumes about his coaching prowess.
During Smith's interview with the Steelers, it became evident just how keen the team was on him. Reportedly, several other teams were also expressing significant interest in Smith. Tomlin was well aware of this and was determined to ensure that Smith didn't even board a plane to Florida for an interview with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tomlin played a pivotal role in expediting Smith's hiring with the Steelers as soon as possible.
Smith's journey as a head coach in the NFL began with the Falcons, where he spent three seasons. Unfortunately, his time in Atlanta was marred by struggles, with the Falcons posting a 7-10 record in all three of his seasons. Smith faced criticism for his coaching decisions and utilization of talented players like Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson. However, it's important to recognize that the role of a head coach differs significantly from that of an offensive coordinator, making direct comparisons challenging.
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Steelers HC Mike Tomlin during a press conference.
Smith's eagerness to learn from Tomlin is evident, and he views this opportunity as a golden chance to refine his coaching skills. The Steelers' head coach has earned a sterling reputation for his leadership and ability to consistently field competitive teams. If Smith can replicate the success he achieved with the Titans, particularly in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, Steelers fans are likely to embrace him warmly, and another head coaching opportunity may not be out of his future.
On the other hand, if Smith faces difficulties in his new role, the criticism from Steelers fans will undoubtedly intensify, especially given the initial skepticism surrounding his hiring.
For now, Steelers fans have every reason to be optimistic about what Smith will bring to the team's offense in 2024. While his past as a head coach may have been marked by challenges, his track record as an offensive coordinator suggests that the Steelers' offensive unit may be in for a significant upgrade. As Smith embraces this fresh start in Pittsburgh, the city and its football fans eagerly await the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
In the worst-case scenario, virtually any hiring choice would be an improvement over the Steelers' previous offensive coordinator, Matt Canada. Under Canada's tenure, the team consistently struggled with one of the league's weakest offenses. Any sign of improvement from the Canada offense would undoubtedly be cause for celebration in Pittsburgh.
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