A proven track record of success as an offensive coordinator often earns a job as a head coach. Arthur Smith also witnessed the fortune to be an HC of the Atlanta Falcons after a successful tenure with the Tennessee Titans as an OC.
However, Smith couldn’t live up to the lofty expectations of the Falcons. Following the team’s lackluster performance in the season, they kicked him off the roster. The former HC has now found his new home with the Pittsburgh Steelers as their new OC.
Steelers announce Arthur Smith new OC
The Steelers have officially welcomed Arthur Smith as their new OC, following a meticulous three-day evaluation. The announcement was strategically timed just before the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. In an interview with the team’s website, Smith mentioned the allure of joining such a storied organization as the Steelers. He also mentioned the prospect of collaborating with head coach Mike Tomlin as a perfect cultural fit.
“It’s such a unique opportunity to be able to work for an organization like the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the history and the culture here, and the opportunity to work with Mike Tomlin, to me it’s a perfect cultural fit”, Smith said via Trib Live.
Coach Tomlin, engaged in draft scouting activities, sought the ideal candidate to revamp the team’s offensive strategy. Smith replaced Matt Canada on the team roster. Despite heavy criticism from the fans, the team initially backed up Canada. However, they later sacked him mid-season.
The new O-line coordinator steps into a crucial role charged with revitalizing an offense that has struggled to make a significant impact in recent years. With the Steelers finishing below 21st in points scored since 2018, he will have the task of extracting more productivity from a talented roster.
Despite possessing skilled players like Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, George Pickens, and Diontae Johnson, the Bills’ unit has faltered in consistently converting opportunities into points. The Steelers’ offense, which ranked 25th in total yards per game and 28th in points per game, will benefit from Arthur Smith’s leadership. Another focus for him will be rehabilitating quarterback Kenny Pickett. The signal-caller had a difficult season characterized by injury and loss of form.
Why did the Falcons fire Arthur Smith?
The decision by the Falcons to part ways with HC Arthur Smith after three seasons has left many fans and analysts questioning the rationale behind the move. However, a closer examination reveals several key factors contributing to the franchise’s decision.
Chief among these concerns was the team’s inconsistent performance under the coach’s leadership. Throughout his tenure, the Falcons struggled to string together consecutive victories. The squad never managed to win more than two games in a row. This lack of consistency extended to their overall record, with them posting a disappointing 21–30 mark over three seasons.
A major obstacle hindering the Falcons’ success was their instability at the quarterback position. Smith grappled with finding a reliable and effective solution. His decision-making and play-calling also came under scrutiny, especially in critical moments. The former HC’s conservative approach against weaker opponents, including the Carolina Panthers, raised eyebrows and cost the Falcons crucial victories.
Questions also arose regarding his utilization of talented skill position players, including Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts. These first-round draft picks failed to reach their full potential under his guidance. Arthur Smith undoubtedly brought his own strengths to the table. However, the Falcons’ leadership evidently concluded that a new direction was necessary to achieve their goals and aspirations.
