Arthur Smith: Did The Steelers Make A Smart Hire?
Arthur Smith was fired by the Falcons this offseason, but it didn’t take very long for the Fed Ex nepotism baby to find another job. The Steelers hired Smith to be their offensive coordinator in 2024. On the surface, Pittsburgh fans have a right to feel upset about this. I just also think this could wind up being a sneaky good hire.
Every coach has strengths and weaknesses. Smith is a dope but it’s not like he’s totally worthless either. Not built to be a head coach but certainly knows how to design run plays.
Tyler Allgeier averaged 4.9 yards per carry as a rookie.
Bijan Robinson averaged 4.6 yards per carry as a rookie.
Derrick Henry had his two best seasons when Smith was the offensive coordinator with Tennessee. Henry averaged 5.1 yards per carry in 2019 and 5.4 yards per carry in 2020 including rushing for over 2,000 yards that year.
Nobody should be overjoyed by the Smith hire, but the guy knows how to run the ball. That’s not really deniable. That’s coming from me and I can’t stand the guy. Credit where credit is due.
Furthermore, he’s definitely an upgrade over what the Steelers had with Matt Canada. Did Canada bring anything to the table?
The fact of the matter is, Smith’s coaching style matches what the Steelers want to do. Play complimentary football by running the ball and playing good defense. Smith is going to do his best to institute that brand. You might even get an improved version of Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
In reality, the Steelers are wasting their time being stuck in the Marvin Lewis middle, but let’s not totally blast this hire. Anything is better than Canada, right? Expectations people!
Also, let’s be honest about one thing. The talent Smith has to work with in Pittsburgh is better than in Atlanta. The Falcons drafted three skill position players in the top ten three years in a row and Pittsburgh still has more talent. Just saying…
Subscribe to Vendetta’s Twitch
Subscribe to Vendetta’s YouTube
Check out the Vendetta Shop
Click here for more NFL content
