Steelers Rumors: Arthur Smith Eyed for OC on Mike Tomlin's Staff After Falcons Firing

Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is interviewing Sunday with the Pittsburgh Steelers as they look for a new offensive coordinator, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Smith was the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator for two seasons before taking the Falcons job. His tenure saw Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill win Comeback Player of the Year in 2019 and then Derrick Henry run for 2,027 yards in 2020.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported on Tuesday that at least seven teams had shown interest in Smith as an OC target.

The 41-year-old's experience will help to set him apart from some other candidates, but his time in Atlanta did little to help his reputation.

From 2021 on, the Falcons finished 27th, eighth and 24th in offensive DVOA (defense-adjusted value over average), per FTN Fantasy. The progress the team made in 2022 was significantly overshadowed by its regression this year.

Running back Bijan Robinson's usage was a bit puzzling at times. Wide receiver Drake London has yet to turn the corner through two seasons. And tight end Kyle Pitts has yet to match his 2021 production (68 catches for 1,026 yards and a touchdown), which was enough to earn him a Pro Bowl nod.

Smith would be a good fit on a coaching staff led by Mike Tomlin.

But the way in which Smith failed to maximize the young players on his roster raises questions over whether he could get quarterback Kenny Pickett's development on track or make wideout George Pickens a more consistent, dialed-in pass-catcher.

Smith isn't the only candidate under consideration by the Steelers. They confirmed Friday they spoke with Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson along with Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown.

Pittsburgh did see one rumored target come off the board, though, with NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reporting Saturday that Zac Robinson is taking the OC position with the Falcons.