North Carolina not too long ago fired head coach Mack Brown, and the college’s means of discovering his alternative is underway. Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith acquired a name in regards to the vacant place.
“Actuality is [UNC] reached out on [a] preliminary name,” Smith stated (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). “I recognize it, love that place. However that’s not my focus. I imply I’ve bought probably the greatest jobs in soccer proper now. There’s rather a lot to be stated too about [how you] can’t put a worth on private {and professional} happiness, which I’ve right here.”
Smith spent his school profession at UNC as a participant (2001-05) and labored as a graduate assistant there to start his teaching tenure. His expertise main a employees on the NFL stage — with the Falcons between 2021 and ’23 — coupled along with his connections to the college makes him a logical candidate to switch Brown. As Smith famous, nonetheless, his focus shouldn’t be at present on taking the following accessible head-coaching gig.
“I’ve bought an superior job right here,” the 42-year-old added. “[I] in all probability [have] a special mindset than I had 5, 4 years in the past the place any head job, I in all probability would’ve walked there to take it. Now my perspective’s completely different, and whenever you bought one thing good like I bought right here in Pittsburgh proper now, household loves it right here. I just like the working surroundings, love being a Steeler.”
In a uncommon transfer given their organizational historical past, the Steelers made an in-season offensive coordinator change final 12 months with Matt Canada being dismissed. Smith was introduced in as his full-time alternative after drawing curiosity from the Jets. New York’s supply got here with an unsure function working alongside then-OC Nathaniel Hackett, although, and his preference was to take the Steelers gig. Up to now, that place has included time with each Justin Fields and Russell Wilson at quarterback.
As soon as Wilson recovered from his calf harm, he took over QB1 duties. That transfer has not led to a serious uptick in passing effectivity of pink zone success, however Pittsburgh leads the league in time of possession. The workforce additionally has the eighth-ranked dashing assault, one thing which comes as no shock given Smith’s background and his success in that regard throughout his Titans OC stint.
Smith’s future past the present season is after all within the air given the alternatives which can current themselves to him throughout the winter. Provides apart from the UNC one might are available in, however for now, he seems to be content material in his present function.