The Pittsburgh Steelers could look very different when the 2026 season comes around. The team still has hope for a successful end to the 2025 season, but the group would have to take down the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 in order to win the AFC North and clinch a spot in the postseason. If that does not happen, it is fair to assume that some significant changes could be made, especially if the group gets blown out like it did in the Wild Card Round of the postseason nearly a year ago. This is essentially a playoff game, and that is easy to see with the stakes surrounding the matchup.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin sits on the sideline before a road game against the Cleveland Browns near the end of the 2025 regular season.
The Steelers had a chance to clinch the division in Week 17 against the Cleveland Browns, but the franchise ruined that opportunity as the team was upset by Cleveland on the road. Week 18's matchup with Baltimore will see one team's season end, while the other will have the opportunity to compete in a relatively wide open AFC playoff bracket. There is a chance the Steelers could win, but a lot of fans are already focused on the offseason and what changes could be made. NFL insider Dianna Russini recently went on The Herd where she shared that Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith could be getting looked at by teams like the New York Giants.
"Arthur Smith is a name that I think is gonna make some rounds here once again, to get an opportunity," Russini said. "Because Arthur has a really good, obviously, offensive mind, but he's not scared of these players. He's not scared to go up to the best guy on the team and say, 'Yeah, that's not good enough.' And that's what the New York Giants are looking for. Because accountability is the biggest flaw in that building."
Russini name dropped the Giants specifically, but there is a chance that Smith could be getting looks from several teams that have or are expected to have an opening at head coach. The Giants have been putting a plan together for their next head coach for several weeks now since the organization fired Brian Daboll in the middle of the season, and it is fair to assume an experienced coach like Smith might be on that list.
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Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith using his arms to direct and coach up his offense while the team works out during a 2025 training camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Smith made a name for himself as the offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans in 2019 and 2020, and he was ultimately hired as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. He spent three seasons as the head coach there, but he failed to make the postseason in each year. He kept the team somewhat competitive while never really having a legitimate starting quarterback, so his time as a head coach isn't seen as a major failure. Atlanta went 7-10 in each season with Smith running the show.
Smith once again is working with less than most teams in Pittsburgh. His offensive numbers are not spectacular, but he has a young offensive line, an aging quarterback, and a less than average wide receiver room. Based off of Russini's statement, other organization's around the league are impressed with what he has been able to do in Pittsburgh.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin on the sideline during a win over the New York Jets in 2025.
Steelers' Mike Tomlin Also Could Be A Possibility For The Giants
In addition to Smith, Head Coach Mike Tomlin has also been brought up as a potential hire for the Giants. This would be much more complicated than New York going after Smith, and it would essentially take all three sides agreeing to the same deal. Tomlin and the Steelers would have to want to part ways, while the Giants would have to be willing to rework a contract with Tomlin while giving up significant draft capital to Pittsburgh.
What do you think about the Giants looking to poach from Pittsburgh's coaching staff? Let us know in the comments below!
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