Steelers' Arthur Smith Could Certainly Be One And Done In Pittsburgh With Head Coaching Buzz Heating Up

The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith ahead of the 2024 NFL season. The decision stemmed from the fact that the offense was historically bad in the 2023 season under former Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada. Many Steelers fans were actually expecting more from Smith in the 2024 season, but pundits around the league believe he's doing a great job. 

Smith had his name thrown into the hat as a candidate for the head coaching position at North Carolina in the college ranks, but he made it clear he wasn’t interested. ESPN's Dan Graziano believes that the Steelers could be at risk of losing Smith to an NFL team in need of a head coach.

If Smith continues to trend upward, it’s easy to see why NFL franchises would come calling. His experience as both an offensive coordinator and a former head coach with the Atlanta Falcons adds to his appeal. While Pittsburgh would certainly hate to lose him after just one season, the reality of the NFL is that success breeds opportunity, and Smith might not be wearing black and gold for long if teams start lining up for his services.

"A few weeks back, I said I thought Steelers offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith would have to wait another year before getting head coach interviews again, but it sounds like he might get a couple of looks on this year's cycle after all," Graziano said. "The work Smith has done with Pittsburgh's patchwork quarterback situation this season has been impressive."

Smith’s impact on Pittsburgh’s offense has been undeniable, with visible improvements in both scheme and execution. Known for his physical, run-heavy approach, Smith has leaned on star running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren to carry the load, while also implementing a more structured passing game. While the results haven’t been perfect, the Steelers’ offense has shown promise under his leadership, making him an appealing candidate for teams seeking a head coach with a proven ability to build an identity on offense.

Many Steelers fans have started to grow frustrated with some of Smith's play calls and overall scheme. It’s an interesting contrast between preseason expectations and the current reality. 

For a team whose offense was historically bad in 2023, even slight improvements under Smith can feel more significant than they truly are. While Smith hasn’t found success as a head coach in the past, he’s widely respected as a leader, and players respond well to him. There’s a noticeable improvement in the culture and accountability within the offense since his arrival, which is undeniably a positive step forward.

Steelers Losing Arthur Smith After 1 Season Wouldn't Be Ideal

It’s clear that turning a struggling offense into one of the league’s best in just one season is no easy task. Smith hasn’t achieved that level of success, but he has breathed life into the Steelers’ offensive unit. Losing him after just one season would feel like a missed opportunity—not only would fans be robbed of seeing Smith build on his foundation, but the offense would also lose critical continuity during a pivotal time in its development.

If Smith departs after 2024, the Steelers risk hitting the reset button on an offense that’s finally showing signs of growth. While frustrations exist, Smith’s leadership and strategic approach have laid the groundwork for long-term success. Patience might be the key to unlocking this offense’s full potential.

It will be interesting to see if Smith receives any serious head coaching opportunities. He’s likely to take interviews for open positions, and it’s something Steeler Nation will be keeping a close eye on. Whether Smith returns to Pittsburgh for another season or lands a head coaching role elsewhere remains one of the key storylines to watch moving forward.

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