Steelers Rumors: Arthur Smith Is 'Back onto Some Radar Screens' as HC Candidate

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith could be getting a second chance at being an NFL head coach after finding success in his current role.

ESPN's Dan Graziano reported that news on Smith, who landed in Pittsburgh this year after three seasons leading the Atlanta Falcons.

"The Steelers' success has nudged offensive coordinator Arthur Smith back onto some radar screens in terms of getting a second chance at a head coaching opportunity. My sense is it's more likely he gets back into the cycle after next season than this one, but Smith has been able to do what Sean Payton (and Nathaniel Hackett before him) couldn't do in Denver: Get Russell Wilson to buy in and play within the structure of the offense. He also was making it work with Justin Fields while Wilson was injured. Smith was 7-10 in each of his three seasons as the Falcons' coach before being fired last offseason but had little to work with at quarterback outside of latter-stage Matt Ryan in his first season. Don't be surprised if some team makes a call to request an interview."

Last season, Pittsburgh was 28th in scoring offense en route to a 10-7 season. This season, the 10-3 Steelers, who are second in the AFC standings, are 10th in that category. Much credit goes to Smith, who also found success as the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator before taking the Atlanta head-coaching gig.

Smith was given a tough task rebuilding a struggling Steelers offense but succeeded. He also weathered an usual situation at quarterback with Russell Wilson being named QB1 over Justin Fields before ceding the role due to a calf injury. Fields did well, leading Pittsburgh to a 4-2 mark, but the team turned back to Wilson when he was ready to go. The Steelers have done well under Wilson, too, going 6-1 to move to their current 10-3 mark.

Graziano noted that it's more likely Smith is back in the head coaching mix in the 2026 cycle rather than the 2025 one. Another year building goodwill as the Steelers' OC would only help the cause.

It didn't work out in Atlanta under Smith, although the Falcons did play quarterback roulette while he was there, which didn't help matters. Perhaps a fresh start with a more established starter and long-term solution at the position would help Smith get on the right track at a new home.

For now, though, Smith is helping lead the Steelers in a big road game against the 11-2 Philadelphia Eagles. Kickoff is set for Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.