Arthur Smith joining Steelers as offensive coordinator at critical Mike Tomlin time

Arthur Smith’s next NFL chapter will have an influence on the next one for Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers are hiring the former Falcons head coach as their offensive coordinator, according to multiple reports. 

Smith, who was fired by Atlanta after posting three straight 7-10 seasons, will replace Matt Canada, who the Steelers relieved of his duties after Week 11. 

Before that, he was the offensive coordinator for the Titans from 2019-20 after holding various roles on Tennessee’s staff since 2011.   

According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Smith had several opportunities to be an offensive coordinator again, but working with Tomlin and the organization’s culture appealed to him. 

Smith is joining the Steelers at a time when Tomlin’s standing with the franchise is less than firm, however. 

There were rumors he might walk away after this past season.

Tomlin is entering the final year of his current contract — though an extension is possible — with owner Art Rooney II hungry for playoff wins.

“We’ve had enough of this,” Rooney said, according to ESPN. “It’s time to get some wins; it’s time to take these next steps.”  

Pittsburgh, though finishing 10-7 and earning a wild-card berth, struggled offensively as starting quarterback Kenny Pickett failed to take a leap forward in his second season.

The Steelers finished 25th in total yards per game (304.3) and 28th in points per game average at 17.9.

Pickett suffered an ankle injury in Week 13 and did not play the rest of the year, having thrown for just 2,070 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions in 12 games.

The Falcons offense averaged 334.3 yards per game under Smith last season.

While getting Pickett right will be one of the main things Smith will be tasked with, he may already be a good fit for one of Pittsburgh’s offensive strengths. 

Smith led two top-10 offenses in Tennessee that relied on a ground-heavy attack, and the Steelers feature two top running backs in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren.