As Raheem Morris fills out his Falcons staff, his predecessor is garnering interest from around the league. According to Tom Pelissero, the Steelers are interviewing Arthur Smith for their vacant offensive coordinator position.
Former #Falcons coach Arthur Smith is interviewing today for the #Steelers offensive coordinator job, per sources. pic.twitter.com/45dlcX2QV2
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 28, 2024
Pittsburgh fired Matt Canada during the season and then split offensive coordinator duties between running backs coach Eddie Faulkner and quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan to finish out the season.
The Falcons went 7-10 in three straight seasons under Arthur Smith, but the 2021 and 2022 seasons were considered successful, given the lack of talent on the respective rosters. However, 2023 was a total disappointment, and the inconsistency on the offensive side of the ball was the primary cause.
Atlanta finished 27th in EPA per play and 28th in rush success rate last year and 26th over the three years under Smith. However, in his final season with the Titans, he coordinated the second offensive in the NFL in EPA per play. The biggest difference between those two situations was one position…
A lot of the Falcons’ struggles stemmed from poor quarterback play, but it’s not going to get better in Pittsburgh. The Steelers have to know Kenny Pickett isn’t the answer, and there’s no clear upgrade in the draft at the 20th pick. Perhaps a half measure like signing Ryan Tannehill in free agency appeals to Omar Khan, but there are not a ton of really intriguing options.
The Steelers personnel would be a fit with Smith’s style of offense, but I’m not sure anyone will work in Pittsburgh without upgrading the quarterback position.
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Photographer: Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire
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