We’ve known the Pittsburgh Steelers would be looking for a new offensive coordinator this offseason from the moment Matt Canada was fired mid-season. While fans had been calling for change, the removal was shocking for a Pittsburgh franchise that hadn’t made an in-season change to their coaching staff since 1941.
Then, running backs coach Eddie Faulkner took over playcalling duties in Pittsburgh, but the expectation was always for the Steelers to re-consider their options this offseason. That time has finally come.
Arthur Smith interviewing for Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator position
While the Baltimore Ravens are getting prepared to take on the Kansas City Chiefs, their AFC North rivals are busy making plans to improve next season. According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Pittsburgh Steelers are interviewing Arthur Smith on Sunday for their offensive coordinator vacancy.
Smith, while recently fired from the Atlanta Falcons after leading a 21-30 record across three seasons, is viewed as a bright offensive mind. It’s the reason he got the job to begin with, after helping the Tennesee Titans rank second and fourth in yards and points scored during the 2020 season.
One of the biggest issues in Atlanta was that Smith never had much to work with at the quarterback position, moving from a 36-year-old Matt Ryan. Then, he was essentially driven out of town after the Falcons tried to pursue Deshaun Watson but came up short. This left an awkward cloud in the air, where everyone knew Atlanta was interested in moving on from Ryan, yet he was still under contract. It just wouldn’t work.
Then, the Falcons pivoted to Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, and Taylor Heinicke over the next two seasons. Needless to say, it didn’t lead to better results, and now Smith is paying the price.
While the Steelers may face similar issues, in that Pittsburgh is still searching for a franchise quarterback, Smith has shown he can lead an effective offense anyway. A large part of this is thanks to his preference to pound the rock, with the Falcons having more rushing attempts than anyone in 2022. The Falcons still ran the ball a ton in 2023, finishing third in attempts, but suddenly their YPC dipped down to being ranked 17th compared to fourth the year prior.
Can Smith rejuvenate the Steelers’ offense in 2024? If nothing else, expect their rushing attack to take a big step forward. But first things first, both sides must see eye to eye during the interview process. Yet, if the Steelers can emerge with Smith as their offensive coordinator, that should be considered a big win in Pittsburgh.
