The Pittsburgh Steelers had an entire fan base anxiously awaiting an offensive coordinator hire after the 2023 season. Matt Canada was uncharacteristically fired in the middle of the season, leading to interim roles for Mike Sullivan and Eddie Faulkner. It just so happened that Arthur Smith and the Atlanta Falcons parted ways, which allowed for Head Coach Mike Tomlin to swoop in and bring in a guy that runs an offense exactly how the Steelers wanted to in 2024: pounding the football with a good chunk of play-action passing mixed in. It has worked relatively well to this point, despite poor red zone efficiency.
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Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith as he stands near Head Coach Mike Tomlin during a 2024 practice at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
The strong 8-3 start to the Steelers' season has already led to some rumors about Smith being one-and-done in the Steel City. The University of North Carolina will have a job opening because Mack Brown will not be welcomed back in 2025. Smith, who attended the university, was a name being thrown around new head coaching discussions for the Tar Heels.
Smith addressed the media after the report and gave fans a little bit of comfort regarding the possibility of him departing for college. Ian Rapoport added to that on Sunday morning, confirming that Smith is not expected to go coach at the collegiate level anytime soon.
"The Steelers offensive coordinator, who had been under consideration for the position of new head football coach at the University of North Carolina, is staying with Pittsburgh and will be there for the foreseeable future," Rapoport wrote. "Smith recently informed UNC that he should not be considered a candidate, sources say."
It didn't make much sense for Smith to even entertain a potential head coaching job in college, given the fact that he will likely earn some interviews from professional franchises interested in his services, and potentially as soon as 2025.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith and wide receiver George Pickens share some words with one another as the team practices at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Rapoport continued to explain the situation, and it seems as if Smith was very adamant about staying with the Steelers, or at least the NFL in general. There is nothing imminent for the future regarding Smith and a collegiate heading coaching job.
"In fact, the former Falcons head coach is likely to get consideration for NFL head coaching jobs this cycle. While Smith is said to be happy the school reached out, he has no plans to leave the NFL any time soon. That was made clear to UNC reps."
The last part from Rapoport should make fans in the Steel City feel comfortable. The play-caller made it clear that he won't be going through any kind of interview process. Smith signed a three-year deal with the Steelers in the offseason, but no one is quite sure if that will last. He has the pedigree that will warrant some possible looks in the 2025 offseason.
Sebastian Foltz / Post-Gazette
Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith talks with Head Coach Mike Tomlin as the team practices during 2024 Organized Team Activities at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Hope To Keep Arthur Smith Around For 2025 And Beyond
At some point, it can be expected that Smith will get another heading coaching job at the NFL level. Pittsburgh, however, is hoping that doesn't come after just a one-year relationship. The offense has been the best it has been since Ben Roethlisberger retired, and while it hasn't been perfect, the unit has performed much better than in recent years.
Do you think that Smith will get a head coaching job in the NFL in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
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