One of the vital necessary choices the Steelers needed to make this offseason was selecting a brand new offensive coordinator, however their selection proves the staff remains to be caught up to now.
In keeping with NFL Community’s Tom Pelissero, Pittsburgh is anticipated to rent former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith as its new OC.
Smith was fired earlier this month after an underwhelming three-year run in Atlanta the place he went 21-30 and did not ever make the playoffs.
In 2023, the Falcons had the Twenty sixth-ranked scoring offense (18.9). The Steelers had the Twenty eighth-ranked (17.9).
Pittsburgh is not hiring Smith based mostly on his stint with Atlanta, nonetheless. The 41-year-old was the Titans offensive coordinator from 2019-21 which included a visit to the AFC Championship recreation.
Tennessee’s offensive success revolved round working again Derrick Henry, who rushed for 4,504 yards and 43 touchdowns throughout the span.
Solely time will inform whether or not that was extra a product of Smith’s offense or Henry’s. However one factor is for certain, the Titans’ ceiling was restricted with a heavy concentrate on the run.
The Steelers are clearly not eager about creating into the “fashionable” NFL offense but with the hiring of Smith.
President Artwork Rooney II informed reporters on Monday that the staff was in search of somebody with “a contemporary method.” However the principle factor head coach Mike Tomlin was centered on was a play-calling expertise.
Smith is an efficient slot in that side, however QB Kenny Pickett’s improvement have to be the principle focus or Pittsburgh will miss the playoffs or be one-and-down for the eighth straight yr in 2024.
If it is any comfort for followers, NFL Community’s Ian Rapoport did say a number of different groups have been eager about Smith.
“He had loads of alternatives. He was going to be an OC someplace,” Rapoport mentioned. “Culturally, this makes loads of sense.”
