Arthur Smith’s coaching journey has taken another turn - and once again, he’s come up just short. The former Falcons head coach and longtime Titans assistant was in the mix for an offensive coordinator position under Jim Harbaugh, but that job is now going to former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.
For Smith, it’s another near-miss in a busy offseason where his name has been circulating in multiple conversations around the league. While his current title is offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, that role remains anything but secure as the coaching carousel continues to spin.
Smith’s NFL roots run deep, especially in Tennessee. A Memphis native, he spent over a decade with the Titans in various roles, eventually rising to offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2020.
That stint helped launch him into a head coaching opportunity with the Atlanta Falcons in 2021. But after three seasons - and a lack of postseason success - owner Arthur Blank decided to move in a different direction.
Interestingly, Smith’s coaching path could have taken a sharp detour last year when his alma mater, the University of North Carolina, came calling. Boosters and school officials reportedly approached him about taking over the Tar Heels program, but Smith declined. The school ultimately turned to Bill Belichick to fill the role.
So far this offseason, Smith has stayed active in the job market. He’s interviewed for two offensive coordinator positions and also sat down for talks regarding two head coaching vacancies - one of which remains open with the Arizona Cardinals.
Given the number of teams still searching for offensive minds, it’s hard to imagine Smith won’t land somewhere soon. But for now, his future in Pittsburgh is uncertain. Whether he remains with the Steelers or finds a new home, Smith’s track record - especially his work in Tennessee - keeps him in the conversation.