Arthur Smith’s next NFL chapter will impact Mike Tomlin’s next chapter in Pittsburgh.
The Steelers are hiring the former Falcons head coach as their offensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.
Smith, who was fired by Atlanta after three straight 7-10 seasons, replaces Matt Canada, who the Steelers relieved of his duties after Week 11.
Prior to that, he served as the Titans’ offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2020 after serving in various positions on Tennessee’s staff starting in 2011.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport:Smith had several opportunities to become offensive coordinator again, but he was drawn to working with Tomlin and the organization’s culture.
However, Smith will join the Steelers while Tomlin’s status within the franchise is far from certain.
There were rumors that he might retire after last season.
Tomlin is in the final year of his current contract, with an extension possible, but owner Art Rooney II is hungry for a playoff win.
“I’m tired of this,” Rooney said. According to ESPN. “It’s time to win. It’s time to take the next step.”
Pittsburgh finished 10-7 and earned a wild card berth, but struggled offensively as starting quarterback Kenny Pickett failed to make the leap in his second year.
The Steelers finished 25th in total yards per game (304.3) and 28th in points per game (17.9).
Pickett injured his ankle in Week 13 and did not play the rest of the season, throwing just 2,070 yards, six touchdowns, and four interceptions in 12 games.
The Falcons’ offense averaged 334.3 yards per game under Smith last season.
Properly using Pickett will be one of Smith’s main tasks, but he may already be a good fit for one of the strengths of Pittsburgh’s offense.
Smith leads two top-10 offenses in Tennessee that rely on ground-heavy attacks, and the Steelers have two top running backs in Najee Harris and Jalen Warren.
