The recent decision by the Pittsburgh Steelers to hire former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator sent shock waves through the fan base.
However, football experts supported the Steelers’ pick and thought it was a promising move. Smith’s impressive record as the offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans over two successful seasons cemented his reputation as a master of offensive football. During his time with the Titans, Smith achieved considerable success.
He led the Titans to back-to-back playoff victories and played a key role in relaunching the career of quarterback Ryan Tannehill and orchestrating one of the NFL’s most potent offenses. His impact on the Titans is undeniable, and his experience as an offensive coordinator makes him a top candidate for any NFL team looking for an offensive lineman.Steelers.com’s Teresa Varley caught up with Smith for an exclusive interview to learn about his excitement and outlook on his new role in Pittsburgh.
Smith began by expressing his genuine excitement at the prospect of joining the Steelers organization. This is a unique opportunity to work for an organization like the Pittsburgh Steelers. With its history and culture and the opportunity to work with Mike Tomlin, it’s the perfect cultural opportunity for me. He cited the rich history and enduring culture that have made the Steelers an iconic franchise, as well as the opportunity to work with legendary head coach Mike Tomlin, as deciding factors. Tomlin’s remarkable 17-season undefeated record is a testament to his coaching abilities.
During Smith’s interview with the Steelers, it was clear how much the team liked him. Other teams have also expressed strong interest in Smith. Tomlin understood this well and was determined to make sure Smith didn’t get on a plane to Florida to interview with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tomlin helped recruit Smith to the Steelers as quickly as possible. Smith’s journey as a head coach in the NFL began with the Falcons, where he spent three seasons. Unfortunately, his time in Atlanta was troubled, with the Falcons posting a 7-10 record in all three seasons. Smith has been criticized for his coaching decisions and use of talented players like Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson. However, it is important to recognize that the role of a head coach is significantly different from that of an offensive coordinator, making direct comparisons difficult. Smith’s desire to learn from Tomlin is evident and he sees this as a great opportunity to improve his coaching skills. . The Steelers’ head coach has earned an outstanding reputation for his leadership and ability to consistently produce competitive teams.
If Smith can repeat his success with the Titans, especially in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, Steelers fans may warm to him and there may not be another head coaching opportunity in his future. On the other hand, if Smith struggles in his new role, criticism from Steelers fans is sure to increase.
Especially given the initial skepticism surrounding his hiring. Right now, Steelers fans have plenty of reason to be optimistic about the impact Smith will have on the team’s offense. In 2024. His past as a head coach may have been fraught with difficulties, but his experience as an offensive coordinator suggests the Steelers’ offensive unit could see significant improvement. As Smith takes on his new role in Pittsburgh, the city and its football fans are excited about the exciting opportunities ahead.
At worst, the hiring pick will be an upgrade over former Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada. During Canadien’s tenure, the team has consistently struggled with one of the weakest offenses in the league. Any sign of improvement in the Canadiens offense will certainly be cause for celebration in Pittsburgh.
