Ex-Falcons head coach Arthur Smith lands OC job with Steelers

Just three weeks after being fired as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Arthur Smith appears to have landed a new job with the Pittsburgh Steelers. According to a report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Steelers are expected to hire Smith as offensive coordinator.

It was previously reported that more than a handful of teams were interested in the former Falcons head coach for offensive coordinator vacancies.

The #Steelers are expected to hire former #Falcons coach Arthur Smith as their offensive coordinator, per sources.

Smith had a top run game as #Titans OC before heading to Atlanta three years ago. Now he’ll be coaching Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren and company in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/8QH8okMNgG

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 30, 2024

Smith’s run-first mentality should work well in Pittsburgh. Before coming to Atlanta in 2021, he made a name for himself as the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator from 2019-2020. However, Smith will be judged by how well he adapts to the quarterback situation in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers have a third-year quarterback in Kenny Pickett, who’s shown flashes but has yet to establish himself as a franchise guy. The Falcons passed on Pickett when Smith was in Atlanta, opting to take Desmond Ridder in the third round instead.

Despite having a plethora of weapons on offense, the Falcons failed to take that next step with Ridder under center. We’ll see if Smith can turn things around in Pittsburgh.