For the first time in 19 years, the Pittsburgh Steelers have a new head coach in Mike McCarthy. But that doesn’t mean that the coaching staff reshuffling is over. Far from it. They have a decision to make at the offensive coordinator position as well, as Arthur Smith looks to be on his way out.

“Former Steelers OC Arthur Smith is finalizing a deal to be hired as the next offensive coordinator at Ohio State,” NFL insider Adam Schefter wrote on X.

It’s a little surprising, really. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler had previously reported that the Tennessee Titans were exploring the idea of bringing Smith back, setting up a potential reunion where he’d call plays under new head coach Robert Saleh. That seemed like the logical next step. Instead, Smith appears headed to college football, joining Ryan Day and the Buckeyes.

Smith also interviewed with the Chargers before former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel became the favorite for that position. It’s safe to say Smith didn’t get an offer there, either.

Taken together, it suggests that things didn’t fully line up with either Tennessee or Los Angeles. Because when multiple NFL teams show interest, it’s unusual to see a coach pivot to the college ranks unless the pro options cool. That’s especially true given that Smith, despite a fairly uneven year in Pittsburgh, was still on several teams’ radar.

The Steelers’ offense averaged 23.4 points per game and ranked 25th in total yards at 305.6. It was a very mediocre season on that side of the ball. And yet, Smith was still viewed as a viable option around the league. That says something about how his body of work is perceived.

Had the Titans‘ opportunity come together, it would’ve felt like a full-circle moment. Smith spent nearly a decade in Tennessee from 2011 to 2020, working his way up through the staff. He started as a defensive quality control assistant, moved to assistant tight ends coach, then tight ends coach, and eventually took over as offensive coordinator in 2019.

That version of Smith drew some real attention. Under his direction, the Titans led the league with 10 plays of 50 yards or more and paced the NFL with eight passing plays of at least 50 yards. That stretch was strong enough to earn him a head coaching job with the Falcons.

But after three seasons and a 21–30 record, Smith was let go in Atlanta. A return to Nashville would’ve written a neat closing chapter. Instead, he’s preparing to call plays on Saturdays.

It’s also worth noting that Smith’s exit from Pittsburgh may not have been entirely his call. There’s been plenty of reporting about significant changes coming to the Steelers’ staff. Special teams coordinator Danny Smith has already moved on to Tampa Bay. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin has interviewed for the Commanders’ head coaching job and could be next.

Well, at least the important part is closed. The Steelers have at least settled the most important piece by hiring McCarthy, and the fans have every reason to be excited.

Steelers Nation has a lot to look forward to

Mike McCarthy is now officially the fourth head coach in Steelers history since 1969. For McCarthy, this marks just his third stop as an NFL head coach, following long runs with the Packers and the Cowboys. From the Steelers’ point of view, there’s plenty here to feel good about.

For starters, Mike McCarthy is a local guy. He grew up in the Pittsburgh area, which means he understands what football means in this city and how deeply the Steelers are woven into it. That matters here. But what really separates him from the rest of the field is simple enough: he’s won a lot of games.

Over 18 seasons as a head coach, McCarthy compiled a 117–112–2 regular-season record, good for a 60 percent winning clip. He’s gone 11–11 in the playoffs, and more importantly, he’s been there often. His teams reached the postseason in 12 of those 18 years. In total, his 174 career wins rank 13th all-time in league history.

Top Stories

Chiefs Threaten Kansas Exit Over $3 Billion Dispute as Clark Hunt & Ownership Demand a ‘Landlord’ for New Stadium

Chiefs Officially Cut Ties With Super Bowl–Winning Coach as Travis Kelce Could Delay Retirement With Ex-Coach’s Return

Former Eagles & Raiders Star Found Dead Near LA Homeless Camp as Homicide Investigation Begins

Mike McDaniel Makes Decision Against Bills Amid Josh Allen Controversy – Report

Shedeur Sanders Receives Concerning Browns QB Update as Cleveland Predicted to Land Bernie Kosar ‘Regen’

Most importantly, he has a ring. McCarthy guided the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl XLV victory, something that the franchise badly needed at the time. It’s also something the Steelers have been chasing for a while now. While Mike Tomlin never had a losing season during his tenure, he also hasn’t won a playoff game since 2016.

Of course, there are some doubts too. McCarthy’s time in Green Bay was strong. He led the team to six NFC North titles and a Super Bowl, ironically coming against the Steelers. But his final chapter in Dallas is harder to sell.

With the Dallas Cowboys, he went 49–35 in the regular season over five years, but had a 1-3 playoff record. And for Pittsburgh, that’s the whole conversation. Regular-season wins are nice, but success needs to be measured with Super Bowls now.

Mike McCarthy proved in Green Bay that he can take a team all the way. He didn’t prove that in Dallas. Whether Pittsburgh ends up being a return to form or more of the same is the open question. The Steelers chose McCarthy over other candidates like Anthony Weaver and Brian Flores. Time will tell if they made the right call.