The Pittsburgh Steelers had one of the worst offensive units in the entire National Football League with Matt Canada as their offensive coordinator. Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin decided to change that in the 2024 offseason by hiring Arthur Smith as the new coordinator. The front office also revamped the quarterback room. After a much-improved season offensively, the hiring of Smith seemed to have paid off. However, Smith's success as Pittsburgh's offensive play-caller has begun to draw interest from other organizations.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Arthur Smith stands on the field during a practice in 2024.
Before the University of North Carolina hired Bill Belichick, there were possible rumors going around that Smith could be a candidate for the open head coach position. To the Steel City's relief, Smith would eventually shut down that notion and deny any possibility of that happening.
The New York Jets fired Head Coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start to the regular season, leaving a head coaching opportunity wide open in the AFC. On Saturday, Josina Anderson reported that the Jets have a strong interest in Pittsburgh's offensive coordinator, but Smith would have to agree to an interview.
I'm told the #Jets have internally discussed interest in interviewing #Steelers OC Arthur Smith and #Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury for the head coach vacancy, per sources.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) January 4, 2025
Scheduling an actual interview is always a mutual decision, so we'll see what occurs in this situation.… pic.twitter.com/Eq6So1Ib7c
The Jets have had a disastrous season while having one of the most talented rosters in the league. With Aaron Rodgers under center for a full season for the first time in New York, the Jets have only won four games through 17 weeks. Rodgers and the Jets even managed to pull off a trade for Davante Adams, who probably would have been sent to Pittsburgh if not New York.
Yahoo Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers' Arthur Smith has drawn interest from the New York Jets for their head coach job in 2025.
Another new and interesting candidate that just arose for the Jets is Rex Ryan, who coached New York from 2009-2014 and held a 46-50 record. Ryan also led the Jets to four playoff victories during his time there. Ryan has been very open about a reunion between he and the Jets, and he'll now be getting an interview with the organization. If the Jets decide to hire Ryan, any worries about Smith's future should plummet.
Steelers' Arthur Smith's Future Still Dependent On How Team's Season Concludes
It doesn't seem very likely that Smith would spend just one season with one of the most historic organizations in the NFL. Smith's previous go as a head coach with the Atlanta Falcons didn't turn out great. Smith led the Falcons to three consecutive seasons with a 7-10 record and was fired after the third. After a much more successful year as an offensive coordinator, Smith surely will have to think twice before taking up another head coaching job.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
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 Steelers are still pushing towards their goal of at least winning their first playoff game in seven years. Tomlin's goal, of course, is to win the Super Bowl. Regardless of how many, the Steelers are looking to win playoff games this season. If they come away as losers in the Wild Card round, big changes are expected, which could lead to a new journey for Smith or Tomlin.
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