Steelers Now
Arthur Smith, the former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator, is emerging as one of the top candidates for the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator position, alongside other notable names such as Brian Daboll and Kliff Kingsbury.
Smith has also interviewed for several other offensive coordinator roles, including with the Los Angeles Chargers, as well as multiple head-coaching vacancies. However, none of those opportunities have resulted in a hire thus far.
Opinions on Smith’s offensive philosophy tend to vary depending on who you ask. During his time in Pittsburgh, the offense was not especially flashy or explosive, but it was effective. Despite working with limited skill-position talent, the Steelers posted their highest points-per-game average in several seasons. While the unit did not redefine modern offense, it consistently functioned within a clear and repeatable structure.
The Titans continue to work through offensive coordinator options, with Kliff Kingsbury, Arthur Smith, Brian Daboll, Adam Stenavich and Bobby Slowik among the potential options, per sources. All have OC experience as Robert Saleh looks for the right man to work with QB Cam Ward.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 22, 2026
Smith’s strongest résumé point remains his earlier tenure with Tennessee. As the Titans’ offensive coordinator, he oversaw an offense built around Derrick Henry’s historic 2,000-yard rushing season, while also featuring two 1,000-yard receivers in A.J. Brown and Corey Davis. That group reached the AFC Championship Game, cementing Smith’s reputation as a coordinator capable of maximizing personnel within a defined system.
Smith was also recently interviewed for the Titans’ head-coaching vacancy, which was ultimately filled by former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh.
One underrated aspect of Arthur Smith’s offense is its ability to provide quarterbacks with a stable, structured environment. While not high-octane or pass-heavy, his system often simplifies reads, emphasizes efficiency, and limits self-inflicted mistakes. That trait could be particularly appealing for Tennessee as former first overall pick Cam Ward enters his second NFL season and continues his development.
There is precedent for this effect. Ryan Tannehill, once viewed as an underachieving quarterback early in his career, experienced a resurgence under Smith, ultimately leading the league in passer rating. In Pittsburgh, Justin Fields went 4–2 as a starter with 10 touchdowns to just one interception, including a 300-yard performance against the Indianapolis Colts and another productive outing versus the Chargers. While Fields’ longer-term consistency remained an issue elsewhere, his most efficient stretches coincided with Smith’s structure.
Veteran quarterback Russell Wilson also found success in Smith’s system during the 2024 season, highlighted by a 400-yard performance against the Cincinnati Bengals. Although Wilson’s career later saw instability with other teams, his time in Pittsburgh represented one of his more productive recent stretches.
Ultimately, wherever Arthur Smith lands, whether as a head coach or offensive coordinator, his next role will be telling. His career to this point suggests a coach whose value lies less in structure, stability, and maximizing quarterbacks through a healthy run game within a clearly defined system. How that translates moving forward...
