The Tennessee Titans are officially in the market for a new offensive coordinator after the Atlanta Falcons hired Arthur Smith for their head-coaching vacancy on Friday.
It’s a bittersweet moment for the Titans, as they’re no doubt happy for Smith getting the well-deserved gig, but also have to replace an offensive coordinator who had a ton of success in two seasons.
Since Week 7 of the 2019 campaign, Smith’s offense has been one of the best in the NFL. In 2020, Tennessee had arguably its best offensive season in team history, finishing third in total yards, fourth in points, and second in rushing.
On Smith’s watch, we saw running back Derrick Henry become a superstar, quarterback Ryan Tannehill have a career resurgence and wide receiver A.J. Brown emerge as one of the best young players in the NFL.
Tennessee will now be on its third offensive coordinator since head coach Mike Vrabel took over in 2018 after Matt LaFleur was hired away by the Green Bay Packers in 2019.
After the hiring was announced, Titans players took to Twitter to react to the news. Here’s a look at what they had to say, as well as the rest of Twitter, about Smith landing a new job.
Congrats, Arthur! Excited to watch you succeed with the @AtlantaFalcons. ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/QzgHdyQ4qd
— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) January 16, 2021
Held me accountable from day 1 . Always trying to improve. Atlanta got a good one . 🤞🏽 https://t.co/TvWcfN0Qu2
— AJ Brown (@1kalwaysopen_) January 15, 2021
Couldn’t be happier for Arthur Smith! He deserves this opportunity. Blessed and honored to be apart of his offense these last couple years! #GrowthMindset
— Rodger Saffold (@Rodger_Saffold) January 15, 2021
The falcons got a good one! Congratulations @AtlantaFalcons Arthur smith is a gem.
— Jerry Ainsworth (@TaylorLewan77) January 15, 2021
So stoked for Coach Arthur Smith. You got a good one @AtlantaFalcons
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) January 15, 2021
It’s confirmed. Our own Arthur Smith and the Atlanta Falcons have reached an agreement. The boy is spreading his wings to Atlanta. Please credit @BussinWTB
— Bussin' With The Boys 🐺 (@BussinWTB) January 15, 2021
Congrats fo former #Titans OC Arthur Smith on a well-deserved promotion to Falcons HC.
-Major force in turning Titans' offense from hum-drum to high-octane and earns his reward.
-Second straight Titans OC to be named a head coach, following Matt LaFleur in Green Bay. https://t.co/VgbgIt8lyZ— John Glennon (@glennonsports) January 15, 2021
Falcon’s new coach Arthur Smith is Thiccolas Cage pic.twitter.com/69w1PcpxzK
— PFTCommenter (@PFTCommenter) January 16, 2021
Arthur Smith’s dad Fred’s net worth: $2.7 Billion.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank’s net worth: $4.6 Billion. https://t.co/nCOEeXr5sr
— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) January 16, 2021
A note about Arthur Smith, most likely the future #Falcons HC:
His offense is predicated on the run, which leads to his dynamic play-action scheme. He molds his offense to the personnel of the team. He will take a lot of pressure off Matt, which could make Ice very dangerous pic.twitter.com/dQqBpcJliv
— ATL Sports Scoop (@atlsportsscoop) January 15, 2021
Truly happy for Arthur Smith. I am geeked seeing Falcons fans hyped to have him. It all started with him walking into Vrabel’s office asking to be considered for the OC job. Art shot his shot and hit. 💯 #ambition
— Howie The Titan (@howie_thetitan) January 16, 2021
Congrats Art. Your loyalty and hard work through really good times and really bad times won’t be forgotten. Good luck in Atlanta! https://t.co/p347yDXmUN
— Two Tone Fanatics (@twotonefanatics) January 15, 2021
People dismissing what Art Smith did in Tennessee is lunacy. Yes, players make the plays, but we're just two years removed Henry battling for his job with Dion Lewis and Ryan Tannehill getting injured and traded.
Offensive DVOA went from 23 -> 6 -> 4.
— Superhorn (@Super_Horn) January 15, 2021
At age 38, Arthur Smith is the youngest head coach in Atlanta Falcons history.
— Mike Conti (@MikeConti929) January 15, 2021
Anything can happen but Arthur Smith to Atlanta tells me two things.
1. Matt Ryan isn’t going anywhere
2. Falcons will be addressing then RB spot ASAP. #najeeharris
— Thomas Mott (@RealThomasMott) January 15, 2021
Congrats Arthur Smith! You have done great things for the boys and the great organization of the Tennessee Titans. The Falcons got a good one ☝️ @BussinWTB @Titans https://t.co/8D6V3CLNHc
— Russell Clark (@RTCLARK123) January 15, 2021
Ryan Tannehill career by OC:
Arthur Smith
17-7 W-L
3.9 TD/Int ratio
71.1 QBRAll others
42-46 W-L
1.6 TD/Int ratio
48.9 QBRDerrick Henry career by OC:
Arthur Smith
118.4 Rush YPG
5.4 Yds/rush
1.1 TD/gameAll others
48.8 Rush YPG
4.6 Yds/rush
0.5 TD/game— Paul Hembekides (@PaulHembo) January 15, 2021
Wow, we lost our Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith (Fred Smith’s son). He has been hired as head coach of the @AtlantaFalcons. Happy for him; incredibly sad for us!! Not sure what the Tennessee Titans will look like next year!! #TitanUp https://t.co/osGDfBLSFP
— Angela Bee Shipp (@angiebeeshipp) January 16, 2021