Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith has taken a new job as offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Smith lost his job as head coach of the Falcons after three 7-10 seasons and did not post a winning record in just three years as head coach.
His mediocre tenure was punctuated by a heated exchange with New Orleans Saints coach Dennis Allen after the Saints scored on a garbage-time touchdown against Atlanta.
The most memorable images from Smith’s time in Atlanta are:
During a heated exchange after the game, Falcons coach Arthur Smith spoke to Saints coach Dennis Allen. pic.twitter.com/EXit2gsjDJ
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 7, 2024
Still, Smith will get a chance to resume his old role as a play-caller. This is something he had great success with while serving as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator from 2019-2020.Smith finished In his final year, he finished second in yards and fourth in points.
Smith will replace coordinator Matt Canada for head coach Mike Tomlin. fired During the season. Pittsburgh never ranked higher than 23rd in yards and 21st in points during the two-and-a-half seasons. (Related: Still Know: Tom Brady Hits Perfect Pass at Gala)
Steelers fans, who were happy about Canada’s long-desired firing, took to Twitter to express their disappointment in Smith, who many felt wasn’t a sufficient departure from Canada’s lackluster offensive approach. .
One Steelers beat writer called this a “very average-feeling hire.”
Arthur Smith > Randy Fichtner, Matt Canada.
But that alone doesn’t mean much. The team needed to find a real gem in this search. It’s always going to be tough. It’s a very average recruitment experience.
— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) January 30, 2024
More memes were posted showing how similar they are to Smith and Canada.
Steelers go from Matt Canada to Arthur Smith pic.twitter.com/tHdmugUrhb
— Sad Big Mike (@big_mike9169) January 30, 2024
Steelers go from Matt Canada to Arthur Smith pic.twitter.com/q9LOVhzGjw
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) January 30, 2024
Steelers offense goes from Matt Canada to Arthur Smith: https://t.co/baJ7NKGhBT pic.twitter.com/GGflwzh8Ib
— theScore Bet (@theScoreBet) January 30, 2024
I completely understand the frustration of the people of Steeler Country, but I have to agree with their disappointment. There’s no one worse than Matt Canada, and Smith has a solid track record as an offensive coordinator despite a mediocre tenure as a head coach.
