Steelers Offer Falcons Ex Arthur Smith Chance to Prove Critics Wrong
Just three weeks after he was fired by the Atlanta Falcons, former head coach Arthur Smith has found his next pitstop.
According to a report from NFL.com's Tom Pelissero, the former Falcons coach will become the Pittsburgh Steelers' next offensive coordinator, replacing the previously ousted Matt Canada.
After a failed stint as the Falcons coach, where he never finished with a record above .500, Smith will return to the same role that helped him get the job in Atlanta. However, the 41-year-old could be in for a challenge as he inherited an offense that was one of the worst in the league last season.
Pittsburgh ranked 28th in points per game, averaging just 17.8, while also ranking in the bottom third in yards per game and points per play. The lackluster offense saw Smith's predecessor, Canada, fired at midseason as they sat at 6-4 and desperately needed a spark offensively to remain in playoff contention.
Jan 7, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith looks on against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome.
Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
Smith will be tasked with getting the Steeler's offense firing, which vastly underperformed despite having playmakers like receivers George Pickens and Diontae Johnson and a pair of running backs in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.
After receiving heavy criticism throughout his time in Atlanta for a perceived misusage of his top playmakers, Smith will have to prove himself as a play-caller again.
Not only will the 41-year-old inherit a cast of weapons, but he may have a chance to work with a rookie quarterback, as former first-round pick Kenny Pickett's second season in the NFL didn't go to plan.
Pickett played in just 12 games due to injury last season and threw for 2,070 yards with six touchdowns and four interceptions while completing 62 percent of his passes. If coach Mike Tomlin and co. decide it is time for a new signal-caller, then Smith will have another chance to prove his ability to work with a young quarterback.
In many ways, Smith's path to success in Pittsburgh will see him have to do things he was heavily criticized for not doing in Atlanta.
