Now that the Atlanta Falcons have fired head coach Arthur Smith, could the Tennessee Titans reunite with their former offensive coordinator?
Smith was the Titans’ play-caller for two seasons, from 2019 through 2020, and he had a ton of success in that role, with Tennessee sporting one of the better offenses in the NFL from Week 7 of the 2019 campaign on after quarterback Ryan Tannehill took over as the starter.
Smith’s success in Tennessee came in an offense centered around Derrick Henry and the run game, so it remains to be seen if he is the right guy to help the Titans transition to a more pass-centric offense, something they need to do now that Will Levis has staked his claim as the guy.
On that front, there’s not really much we can gauge from Smith’s time with the Falcons, as the play from his quarterbacks was atrocious. Still, Smith has enough history of success in Tennessee to give him the benefit of the doubt.
A major roadblock to Smith returning as offensive coordinator is the Titans still having OC Tim Kelly on the staff.
Granted, he had his flaws, but we did see a lot of good from Kelly and it’s tough to totally blame the struggles Tennessee’s offense saw on him because of a major talent deficiency, especially along the offensive line.
As a result, he’ll likely keep his job if head coach Mike Vrabel stays, which appears to not be totally locked in after the 2023 season.
However, offensive coordinator isn’t the only role Smith could take. He could be hired as a senior assistant, like Jim Schwartz was to the Titans’ defense in 2021 and 2022.
Smith also has experience coaching the offensive line and tight ends, two jobs he held in Nashville before working his way up to OC. As things stand currently, offensive line coach is Tennessee’s more pressing need after the current offensive line coach, Jason Houghtaling, oversaw a terrible group.
A less likely but still plausible scenario could see Smith be considered for the Titans’ head-coaching gig if Vrabel moves on. I definitely think he’d at least get an interview in that situation thanks to his relationship with the franchise.
Smith’s desire to return to Nashville will depend on what else is out there for him.
It can’t be ruled out that Smith gets a shot to be a head coach elsewhere, but it’s more likely he garners interest as an offensive coordinator, a role he may prefer over what the Titans may be able to offer him if Kelly sticks around.
I think there’s a better chance than not that Smith finds his way back on to the Titans’ staff in some form or fashion, and he’d be a welcomed addition, no matter how that comes.
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