Steelers' Mike Tomlin Seriously May Have Held Arthur Smith Back More Than Anyone Expected

The Pittsburgh Steelers had their first season with Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith in 2024. Early on, the offense showed signs of improvement, and there were stretches when fans thought Smith’s system might finally bring some life to Pittsburgh’s attack. Justin Fields began the season under center and led the team to a 4-2 record, but it was Russell Wilson’s return from a calf injury that gave the offense a noticeable boost.

Wilson’s return sparked hope that the offense had finally turned a corner. The unit appeared more efficient and balanced for a short stretch, and some fans believed the Steelers were finding their identity. However, things quickly took a turn. The team went on a late-season losing streak, and the offense regressed badly, looking disjointed and unable to produce when it mattered most.

Steelers insider Mark Kaboly told 93.7 The Fan on Friday that Smith wasn’t able to call his full offense during the season. If that’s true, it raises serious questions about what was happening behind the scenes. It’s fair for fans to speculate that Head Coach Mike Tomlin may have been holding Smith back, which could help explain the inconsistency and ultimate collapse of the offense in 2024.

"I've heard that from multiple people, he pretty much had to dial back to what was available to him at the time," Kaboly said. "I think they are at least more suited right now to let Arthur Smith do what he wants to do, all the stuff he wants to do. The outside zones, some of the across the middle stuff."

When the Steelers had a young quarterback in town in Kenny Pickett, the offense noticeably lacked creativity and explosiveness. Former Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada struggled to build an effective scheme around Pickett, and as a result, the Steelers offense finished near the bottom of the league in 2023. 

Canada was let go, and the team turned to Smith, hoping his experience as a former head coach would bring stability and growth. The idea that Tomlin would be holding back Smith is interesting. Some Steelers fans believe Tomlin should let Smith run the offense the way he believes it should be run.

Smith was hired to lead the offense with autonomy, and while there were glimpses of progress in 2024, the overall results were underwhelming. When matched up against top-tier defenses, the Steelers consistently came up short. 

During their late-season losing streak, it became obvious the offense wasn’t equipped to compete at the highest level. That raised serious questions about whether Smith was being fully empowered to run the system he was brought in to implement.

Steelers' Arthur Smith Should Have More Control In 2025

The good news is that Kaboly believes Smith will have more control over the offense in 2025. If true, that could lead to a more cohesive and dynamic unit—something Pittsburgh desperately needs to return to playoff relevance. Giving Smith full authority would finally align the team’s offensive identity with the coach they chose to lead it. 

While Tomlin is truly a great coach, the knock on him is that he has been too conservative. Trusting Smith would be a gamble. However, it might just be what the Steelers need to do if they want to end this playoff drought.

The big question now is who will be under center when Smith gets that opportunity. Rumors have swirled about Aaron Rodgers possibly joining the Steelers, while Mason Rudolph remains a realistic in-house option. Regardless of who starts at quarterback, the Steelers must fully commit to Smith’s vision. Only then will they know if the offense can finally evolve into a force capable of contending with the league’s best.

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