Steelers Arthur Smith Is Dark Horse Candidate For Head Coaching Job

The Pittsburgh Steelers offense has been on a completely different level this season compared to last year.

The Steelers sit atop the AFC North at 9-3, with their offense making a major impact. Pittsburgh has an elite defense, but with quarterbacks Justin Fields and Russell Wilson under center, the offense ranks tenth in points per game with 24.7. The Steelers most recently defeated the Cincinnati Bengals in a game where they scored a staggering 44 points.

Pittsburgh’s offense is clicking, and in addition to the offensive acquisitions it made in the offseason, the team can thank offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. With Smith calling the plays, the Steelers average 344 yards per game, ranking in the upper half of the league.

While speaking on his podcast ‘Flight Deck,’ ESPN’s Rick Cimini named Steelers offensive coordinator Smith as a dark horse candidate to take over the head coaching position for the New York Jets.

“Another name to watch. He might be a dark horse candidate. Arthur Smith. He’s currently the Steelers offensive coordinator,” Cimini said. “He was one of the runner-ups to (Robert) Salah in 2021. Wouldn’t it be ironic if the Jets hired him because we all know that Salah wanted to hire Smith last offseason to come in and oversee the offense. … But he’s done a great job this year with Russel Wilson.

“And I get it, he was with Atlanta for three years and Smith was the definition of mediocre. He was 7-10 in all three seasons with the Falcons. But he does have head coaching experience. He is an offensive guy. And he’s an interesting name.”

Smith recently made it clear that his attention is on the Steelers, as rumors linked him to the University of North Carolina. The Jets offense has been inconsistent this season, even with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Smith’s offensive mindset could be beneficial to the Jets, but his future with Pittsburgh is unclear.

More NFL: Steelers Larry Ogunjobi Earns Award Nomination For Community Impact