Steelers Offensive Coordinator Declines North Carolina Job to Focus on NFL Future
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has decided to remain with the team, despite being linked to the head coaching vacancy at the University of North Carolina, his alma mater. The Tar Heels dismissed Mack Brown on November 26 and reportedly showed strong interest in Smith as a replacement. However, Smith has chosen to focus on his role in Pittsburgh and his aspirations for an NFL head coaching position.
Smith, in his first season with the Steelers, has overseen a resurgent offense that ranks 10th in the league, averaging 24.7 points per game. Under his leadership, the team navigated a quarterback transition from Justin Fields to Russell Wilson before Week 7, helping the Steelers achieve a 9-3 record. Wilson also overcame a preseason calf injury to lead the team’s offense.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that Smith’s success with Pittsburgh enhances his NFL coaching prospects. Fowler explained, “The Tar Heels were high on Smith as their prime target, but his accomplishments with the Steelers and previous tenure with the Atlanta Falcons may position him for a future NFL head coaching role.”
Smith’s NFL career began in 2007 with the Washington Redskins as a defensive quality control coach. He later joined the Tennessee Titans in 2011, eventually becoming their offensive coordinator in 2019 and 2020. Before moving to the NFL, Smith briefly coached in college, working as a graduate assistant at North Carolina in 2006 and later at Ole Miss in 2010.
Smith’s decision leaves the Tar Heels searching for a new head coach while solidifying his commitment to Pittsburgh and potential opportunities in the NFL.
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