If the Pittsburgh Steelers want to reach the levels they believe they are capable of, they need to figure things out offensively. Given the talent on that side of the ball, the unit, as a whole, was underwhelming during the 2023 season.
Looking to create a spark, head coach Mike Tomlin fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada following their Week 11 loss to the Cleveland Browns. For one week, the change looked to make a huge difference as the Steelers surpassed the 400-yard mark in Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals, something that hadn’t happened once during Canada’s tenure.
However, the team’s overall performance offensively was still lacking. Heading into the 2024 offseason, finding an offensive coordinator was near the top of the to-do list in Pittsburgh and it looks like they have found their man.
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Arthur Smith, Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers Updates
According to Brooke Pryor of ESPN, sources are indicating that the Steelers are bringing in Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator. Smith had spent the last three seasons as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons before being relieved of his duties this offseason.
“We’re looking forward to have someone come in and take a fresh approach who can help our young players grow and perform and have the offense perform at a consistently high level,” Steelers owner Art Rooney II said Monday about an impending hire at the position, saying the hire would be made sooner rather than later. (H/T ESPN)
Before taking over as the Falcons’ head coach, Smith was the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. He moved up the ranks with the organization, starting with them in 2011 as a defensive quality control coach before moving over to the offense.
“I think Mike identified we want somebody that has some experience, and somebody that has, let’s say, a track record that we can look at and feel comfortable with,” Rooney II said Monday describing what coach Mike Tomlin is looking for in an O-coordinator.
Smith came under fire for how he handled the offense at times in Atlanta. Despite using a first-round pick every year of his tenure on a skill position player, Smith would deviate from getting them involved at times, frustrating the team and fans. His inability to find a serviceable quarterback ultimately doomed his tenure in Atlanta.
NFL NEWS & RUMORS: Arthur Smith, Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers Updates
However, during his time with the Titans, Smith did prove that he can build an offense with a strong running game, which is the Steelers’ DNA. It is something Rooney wants to return to, in addition to developing Kenny Pickett at quarterback.
The Titans’ offense in two seasons with Smith as coordinator was in the top 10, buoyed by their success on the ground. He also oversaw arguably the two best seasons of Ryan Tannehill’s career, giving hope to the Steelers faithful that he can help get the most out of Pickett.
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