Chargers' first major mistake in coaching search earns universal criticism

The Los Angeles Chargers have provided hit after hit for fans when searching across the NFL for their next offensive coordinator.

Until now, anyway.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Chargers put in a request with the Pittsburgh Steelers to interview Arthur Smith for their vacant offensive coordinator position.

Rapoport notes in his writeup that Smith has “significant OC interest and is also a HC candidate.”

Smith reportedly joins a long list of coordinator candidates for the Chargers as they seek ways to better help Justin Herbert. But he’s on a different level than rumored names like Mike McDaniel and, apparently, not in a good way.

Chargers’ Arthur Smith interest draws criticism

In NFL fan circles, Smith is generally in that same bracket of coordinators alongside the likes of Greg Roman, so it’s not hard to see why Chargers fans might not be all that thrilled with this development.

Smith spent 2011-2020 with the Tennessee Titans, eventually working his way up to the coordinator role, working with and alongside the likes of notables such as Matt LaFleur. He directed some of those Derrick Henry-based offenses before going on to serve as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

The 2021-2023 tenure in Atlanta did Smith’s reputation big harm, though, as he went 21-30 and was consistently criticized for not getting the most out of high-end offensive names like Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson.

Over the last two years in Pittsburgh, Smith struggled to get production out of names like Justin Fields before one season with Aaron Rodgers.

In his defense, Smith would find the Chargers a much more stable environment with franchise passer Justin Herbert, a strong crop of skill position weapons and two elite offensive tackles, all kept in line by Jim Harbaugh.

Even so, it’s not hard to see why Chargers fans reacted the way they did.

Chargers take heat for Arthur Smith interview

pic.twitter.com/6sTQKNnwJk
— ChargersMuse (@ChargersMuse) January 18, 2026

we’re gonna suck forever aren’t we pic.twitter.com/DjrtKIRzu7
— jess ⚡️ (@JessNoFace) January 18, 2026

Fancy Greg Roman https://t.co/URN9nIjIST
— Tyler Schoon (@tylerjschoon) January 18, 2026

Justin Herbert, get ready to learn Jonnu Smith-ese. https://t.co/S70lJwbA0H
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) January 18, 2026

Weird that Arthur Smith keeps getting head coach interviews. He hasn't fielded a top-10 scoring offense since 2020 and has only had one passing offense rank top-20 (16th in 2021). His teams rank 17th or lower in yards per carry in 3 of the last 4 years. His 21-30 record is gnarly
— John Sigler (@john_siglerr) January 14, 2026

This would be hilarious!

Also terrible for any of my Chargers’ friends…

Roman to Arthur Smith is a pretty meh change. https://t.co/j8Fzug8PP9
— Jacob Vogel (@realjakevogel) January 19, 2026

Arthur smith playcalling will keep this team from being in afc championship
— malik (@malikgrimess) January 13, 2026

arthur smith as chargers oc would be the funniest way to sabotage justin herbert’s prime. run-run-screen on 3rd-and-8 till the kid’s soul leaves his body. classic harbaugh special.
— 2rhyme (@emex2rhyme) January 18, 2026

— Enjoy free coverage of the Chargers from Los Angeles Chargers on SI —

Sign Up For the Chargers Daily Digest - OnSI’s Free Los Angeles Chargers Newsletter

More Los Angeles Chargers News:

Chargers boldly predicted to 'blow their free agency budget' on one player

Chargers player throws surprising take on Bills vs. Broncos playoff controversy

Chargers in danger of losing top coaching hire option after Falcons news

Former Chargers player's meltdown swings playoff game in Bills vs. Broncos