Arthur Smith was dismissed by the Falcons earlier this month after three consecutive seasons with a 7-10 record, failing to secure a playoff berth. Prior to his tenure in Atlanta, Smith served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans from 2019 to 2020. Starting with the Titans in 2011 as a defensive quality control coach, Smith worked his way up, holding various roles, including offensive quality control coach, offensive line coach, assistant tight ends coach, and tight ends coach before becoming offensive coordinator.
Steelers owner Art Rooney II emphasized that Coach Mike Tomlin sought an experienced candidate with a proven track record for the offensive coordinator position. Despite criticisms of Smith’s handling of running back Bijan Robinson and tight end Kyle Pitts in Atlanta, his history with a robust rushing attack is noteworthy. The Falcons ranked third in rushing yards in 2022, and during Smith’s final season in Tennessee, the Titans secured the second spot in rushing yards.
During Monday’s statement, Rooney expressed a desire to return to a strong ground attack and underscored the importance of improving quarterback play and the development of Kenny Pickett, who was selected by the Steelers in the 2022 draft.
“I think we have an idea of what we want the Steeler offense to look like,” said Rooney. “Start with that and we have a certain roster mix that leads to, you can’t completely change your roster overnight, so you kind of have to have a coordinator that feels like they can work with this roster and be successful with it.”
The Steelers finished the regular season with a strong rushing performance, amassing 2,010 yards, particularly highlighted by two 100-yard rushing games by Najee Harris in the last two regular-season games. Rooney emphasized the importance of finding a coordinator who aligns with the existing roster’s skill sets and can build upon the foundation for future success.
(With Reuters inputs)
