Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has been the center of speculation as rumors have spread about him leaving to be the head coach of the University of Carolina.
Smith played offensive guard for the Tar Heels and began his coaching career in 2006 there as a graduate assistant. He’s spent the majority of his coaching career in the National Football League.
When asked about a potential departure to coach the Tar Heels, Smith stated how he loves the Steelers and wants to remain in Pittsburgh, according to Pittsburgh-Post Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo.
“Obviously, that’s my alma mater,” Smith said. “That’s not something I’ve thought about. The reality is they reached out with a preliminary call. I appreciate it and love that place, but that’s not my focus. I have one of the best jobs in football right now.”
“You can’t put a price on personal and professional happiness, which I have here. I love that place, appreciate (their interest). That’s usually how it goes. They cast a wide net. It’s nice when someone reaches out, but I have an awesome job here. I love it here in Pittsburgh. I’m probably in a different mindset than I was four or five years ago where any head job (came open) I probably would have walked there and took it. Now my perspective is different. When you have something good like I have in Pittsburgh — my family loves it here, and I like the working environment. I love being a Steeler.”
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The Steelers are 8-3 and lead the AFC North. Their offense has taken a step forward with Smith as the offensive coordinator. It’s unclear what will happen in the offseason, but Smith’s mindset is focused on Pittsburgh.
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