Former Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith will reportedly interview for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator opening on Sunday, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Smith served as the Falcons coach for the past three seasons, compiling a 21-30 record in that time. The team fired him on January 8, also known as Black Monday, following a 48-17 season-ending loss to the New Orleans Saints. After the game, Smith blew up at Saints coach Dennis Allen following a touchdown that added insult to injury late in the game.
Smith comes from an offensive background, having previously been the offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans and having success there before coming to Atlanta. Throughout his time with the Falcons, though, Smith received plenty of criticism for some questionable decisions, most notably underutilizing key skill players such tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson
On the other hand, the Steelers are looking for a new offensive coordinator after firing Matt Canada in the middle of the season. The offense improved after Canada’s dismissal, but the team is still looking for a permanent solution. Aside from Smith, other candidates for the job include former Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown and Houston Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson. Pittsburgh also reportedly had interest in Zac Robinson, but Atlanta hired him on Saturday night.
