Report: Steelers' Arthur Smith Now At Risk Of Leaving Pittsburgh After 2025 Season

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense needed a change and that's why they went out and hired Arthur Smith to be their offensive coordinator ahead of the 2024 season. Steelers fans watched the 2023 season unravel to the point where Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada was fired after the Week 11 loss to the Cleveland Browns. It was a historic moment for the franchise, as Pittsburgh rarely fires coaches midseason, but it underscored just how bad the offense had become over the previous few seasons. The unit lacked identity, consistency, and creativity, forcing the organization to finally break from its long standing tradition of patience.

Since arriving in the Steel City, Smith has worked to implement his offensive philosophy, one built on physicality, balance, and efficiency. While the results have not been perfect, there have been noticeable improvements in structure and intent compared to recent seasons. The run game has become more of a focal point, and the offense at least looks like it has a plan most weeks. Still, many Steelers fans remain impatient and want more production, more points, and clearer proof that this unit can compete with the best teams in the AFC. Especially considering the fact that QB Aaron Rodgers may just be a one-and-done in the Steel City.

Smith’s work in Pittsburgh has not gone unnoticed around the league, including by his former organization. The Tennessee Titans have taken kindly to what he has done since his time away, and that interest is now becoming public. According to NFL insider Adam Schefter on Thursday, the Titans submitted interview requests this morning for three head coaching candidates, with Smith being one of them. It is another reminder that even as Steelers fans push for faster results, Smith’s standing across the NFL remains strong.

The Steelers' offense has seen another positive trend in most key areas in Smith’s second season, even if the overall evaluation is still complicated. It is hard to truly assess just how good or bad Smith has been in Pittsburgh, especially when considering the circumstances he inherited. 

In 2024, he was tasked with building an offense around two new quarterbacks in Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. Both had their moments, but it quickly became clear that neither was going to be the long-term answer. Neither quarterback did enough to inspire confidence that they could be the future of the position in Pittsburgh.

Steelers' Offense Has Improved Under Arthur Smith

That uncertainty ultimately pushed the Steelers to go all in on Rodgers, a move that reshaped the offense and helped lead the team to a 10-7 record. With Rodgers and Smith working together, the Steelers averaged 23.4 points per game, their highest mark since 2020 and good for 15th in the NFL. 

While the yardage numbers were less impressive, ranking 26th in total offense, 26th in rushing yards per game, and 22nd in passing yards per game, the offense was more functional and far more competitive than it had been in recent seasons.

Not every statistic jumps off the page, and there is still plenty to critique when it comes to Smith’s approach. Pat Freiermuth’s lack of consistent targets remains a point of frustration for many fans, and the offense still struggled to generate explosive plays on a regular basis. 

Still, given the quarterback turnover, roster limitations, and the mess Smith inherited, he has done a solid job stabilizing the unit. The Steelers offense may not be elite yet, but it is no longer directionless, and for a team that was desperate for progress, that alone represents meaningful growth.

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