North Carolina just lately fired head coach Mack Brown, and the college’s technique of discovering his alternative is underway. Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith acquired a name concerning the vacant place.
“Actuality is [UNC] reached out on [a] preliminary name,” Smith mentioned (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). “I respect it, love that place. However that’s not my focus. I imply I’ve acquired top-of-the-line jobs in soccer proper now. There’s quite a bit to be mentioned too about [how you] can’t put a worth on private {and professional} happiness, which I’ve right here.”
Smith spent his school profession at UNC as a participant (2001-05) and labored as a graduate assistant there to start his teaching tenure. His expertise main a workers on the NFL stage — with the Falcons between 2021 and ’23 — coupled along with his connections to the college makes him a logical candidate to exchange Brown. As Smith famous, nonetheless, his focus will not be at present on taking the following obtainable head-coaching gig.
“I’ve acquired an superior job right here,” the 42-year-old added. “[I] most likely [have] a special mindset than I had 5, 4 years in the past the place any head job, I most likely would’ve walked there to take it. Now my perspective’s completely different, and if you acquired one thing good like I acquired right here in Pittsburgh proper now, household loves it right here. I just like the working surroundings, love being a Steeler.”
In a uncommon transfer given their organizational historical past, the Steelers made an in-season offensive coordinator change final yr with Matt Canada being dismissed. Smith was introduced in as his full-time alternative after drawing curiosity from the Jets. New York’s provide got here with an unsure position working alongside then-OC Nathaniel Hackett, although, and his preference was to take the Steelers gig. To this point, that place has included time with each Justin Fields and Russell Wilson at quarterback.
As soon as Wilson recovered from his calf damage, he took over QB1 duties. That transfer has not led to a serious uptick in passing effectivity of pink zone success, however Pittsburgh leads the league in time of possession. The crew additionally has the eighth-ranked speeding assault, one thing which comes as no shock given Smith’s background and his success in that regard throughout his Titans OC stint.
Smith’s future past the present season is after all within the air given the alternatives which can current themselves to him throughout the winter. Presents except for the UNC one might are available, however for now, he seems to be content material in his present position.
