Arthur Smith To Join Pittsburgh Steelers As Offensive Coordinator
Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is being hired by the Pittsburgh Steelers as their new offensive coordinator, NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero was among the first to report Tuesday.
Smith will be joining the Steelers on a three-year deal, according to Steelers beat writer Gerry Dulac. He will be replacing former Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada, who was let go by the Steelers last November. The Steelers narrowly made the playoffs despite the firing of Canada with Eddie Faulkner in the interim OC position. The Steelers’ season ended at the hands of the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round, however, losing 31-17.
Smith, 41, has previous experience in the offensive coordinator position, when he was the OC of the Tennessee Titans from 2019-20 before being hired by the Falcons for their head coaching position. He went 21-30 in Atlanta and failed to make the playoffs once during his three-year tenure.
During his time in Tennessee, Smith’s offense was carried by Derrick Henry, who had 1,540 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in 2019 and north 2,027 yards with 17 touchdowns in 2020. The two seasons while Smith was in Nashville, Tenn., Henry gained his first two Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors.
Arthur Smith will get to work with Kenny Pickett, who has struggled to get his footing in the NFL. When Smith was OC with the Titans, Ryan Tannehill was able to be in his first Pro Bowl in his career, showing the development that could occur with Pickett.
The hiring of Smith has caused an outrage among Steelers fans, with many complaining about the hire. With some comparisons being made going from Canada to Smith is not an upgrade, while some view it as a downgrade.
Was this a good hire by Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
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