Tag: Arthur smith

Report: Steelers OC and QB didn’t see eye to eye

There was some unrest between Russell Wilson and Arthur Sith according to Mark Kaboly.

According to a report from Pittsburgh Steelers beat writer Mark Kaboly, the working relationship between offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and quarterback Russell Wilson wasn’t good last season and this could impact Wilson’s future with the team.

Wilson was named the Steelers starting quarterback by head coach Mike Tomlin seven weeks into the 2024 season. Wilson missed almost the entire offseason and preseason with a calf injury which led to Justin Fields being named the starting quarterback.

Despite Fields going 4-2 as a starter, Tomlin made the switch and at first the move looked brilliant. But the new wore off quickly and the old Wilson started to show up on the field which led to Pittsburgh losing its last five games including a playoff game.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Insider predicts Pittsburgh Steelers lose Arthur Smith to New York Jets

ESPN links Arthur Smith to the New York Jets as a head coach candidate, predicting he will land the job.

A memo to the New York Jets: be careful what you wish for. Surprisingly, Arthur Smith—offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers—has been linked as a candidate for several vacant head coach positions in the NFL.

The Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, and New York Jets are all in the market for a new head coach, and ESPN believes Smith will sign with the latter.

In an ESPN article predicting how these six NFL teams’ head coach searches will end, written by insider Dan Graziano, Smith was connected to the Jets.

One aspect that Steelers fans may find hilarious is Graziano’s argument for why Smith deserves the job:

“For most of this season, he found a way to make some pretty effective chicken salad out of a not-great QB situation in Pittsburgh.”

While QBs Justin Fields and Russell Wilson both had their struggles at different points in 2024, Smith bears more blame for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive collapse in the second half of the season.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers OC Arthur Smith failed to ‘burn the boats’ with Justin Fields

Arthur Smith vowed to use every offensive weapon in the playoffs, but Fields’ limited role and Steelers’ struggles tell a different story.

Remember during the build-up to the Wild-Card matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, when Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith claimed that Pittsburgh would “burn the boats” against Baltimore due to the playoffs being single-game elimination?

“No stone left unturned,” Smith had said, but Saturday’s Wild-Card loss showcased the same old Steelers, with the ever-athletic Justin Fields used as a benchwarmer in favor of the aging Russell Wilson.

Smith claimed the offense would use everything at its disposal, referring to the idea of the Fields package seeing more usage in the playoffs. With that in mind, why on Earth did Justin Fields only see two snaps on offense—an offense that failed to score more than 14 points?

Fields’ time on the field saw the quarterback attempt zero rushes and act more as a decoy than anything else. His lone pass attempt fell incomplete under pressure from Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey.

Fans are understandably calling for HC Mike Tomlin’s job, but perhaps Arthur Smith deserves equal criticism for the offense’s late-season collapse in 2024.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Fans urge Steelers to activate Roman Wilson from IR for Wild-Card game

Steelers fans call for drastic changes, hoping to see Roman Wilson debut in the Wild-Card matchup against the Ravens.

It appears Steelers fans, desperate for change, want Pittsburgh to take an even more drastic and bold step: finally give rookie Roman Wilson his big shot during the Steelers’ biggest game of 2024—the Wild-Card matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.

While many may be quick to disparage the move, arguing that Wilson isn’t ready or that he may not fully grasp the playbook—neither did WR George Pickens during the game-changing interception in Week 17 against the Chiefs.

Everyone can agree that this Steelers offense has been truly awful over the past four weeks and is in obvious need of a spark. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith referenced “burning the boats” with QB Justin Fields’ potential usage in preparation for the Wild-Card matchup against the Ravens—why not take the same approach with Wilson?

As fans call for a glimpse of the Russell Wilson-to-Wilson connection making its debut against the Ravens, here are some of their best reactions on social media.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

OC offers interesting 3 words to describe Steelers situation

Arthur Smith is ready to pull out all the stops to get the offense on track.

The last month has been a nightmare for the Pittsburgh Steelers offense. After such a promising start to the Arthur Smith era with Russell Wilson at quarterback, the wheels have fallen off completely en route to the first four-game losing streak going into the playoffs since 1999.

Smith talked about this week’s playoff game and offered up the perfect metaphor for what this week’s game feels like when he said it’s time to “burn the boats” in reference to pulling out all the stops to try and get the offense going.

One thing Smith said he was open to was the idea of using quarterback Justin Fields more in this week’s game. If we don’t see Fields, it could mean head coach Mike Tomlin got involved and decided it’s better to play to their personality.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

It’s time for Steelers OC Arthur Smith to prove he’s not Matt Canada reincarnated

Steelers fans have dubbed Arthur Smith “Matt Canada reincarnated,” drawing comparisons to the much-maligned former offensive coordinator.

Like the rest of the Pittsburgh Steelers, offensive coordinator Arthur Smith needs to forget the final four games of the regular season ever happened (and ignore that he might be the head coach of the Chicago Bears or New York Jets soon). It’s a new season now, and for his playoff blueprint, Smith must look at the first half of the season, in which Pittsburgh defeated three playoff teams.

After a decisive 6-2 start to the 2024 NFL season, optimism was high for the Steelers. However, a disappointing 4-5 finish has left fans frustrated, with much of their anger directed at Smith. Many Steelers faithful have dubbed him “Matt Canada reincarnated,” drawing comparisons to the much-maligned former OC.

Arthur Smith faces criticism from Steelers fans

The criticism centers on predictable play-calling, lack of creativity, and a seeming inability to adapt mid-game—issues eerily similar to those that plagued the Canada era. While the Steelers finished with a 10-7 record and clinched a playoff spot, fans expected more given the talent on offense.

The unit was poised for a breakout season with veteran Russell Wilson, a receiver corps featuring George Pickens and Pat Freiermuth, and Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren anchoring the ground game. Instead, inconsistency ruled.

Smith, known for his success in Tennessee, was expected to inject life into the Steelers’ offense. Yet, fans are questioning his ability to maximize this team’s potential. Social media is ablaze with debates over Smith’s future and whether head coach Mike Tomlin will make another change at offensive coordinator.

For now, the Steelers’ season hangs in the balance as they prepare for the playoffs. But one thing is clear: Pittsburgh fans demand an offense worthy of their storied franchise. If Smith can’t deliver, the “Matt Canada reincarnated” moniker might stick—and that’s a legacy no coach wants.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

2 teams request interviews with top Steelers coach

Smith is in his first season as the Steelers OC.

It’s that time of year when the NFL coaching carousel begins and coaches are fired, hired and re-hired in a hurry. This is also the time when teams will request permission to interview members of opposing coaching staffs.

According to ESPN NFL reporter Brooke Pryor, two NFL teams, the Chicago Bears and New York Jets have reached out to the Pittsburgh Steelers to request permission to interview Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

Smith is in his first season as the Steelers offensive coordinator after spending the previous two seasons as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Reviews on Smith’s offense are mixed, with the consensus being it is somewhat dated and might not match up with the more potent and innovative schemes in the league.

With the way the Steelers offense has played the last few weeks, I’m sure many fans would be fine letting Smith leave. The Pittsburgh offense has been inept during this four-game losing stretch, bringing back not-so-fond memories of former OC Matt Canada.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

George Pickens’ injury proves Steelers made Roman Wilson-sized mistake

George Pickens’ absence in Week 16 argues that the Steelers must reconsider giving rookie Roman Wilson a chance in the WR room.

The worries of Steelers fans have been confirmed: George Pickens has been ruled OUT for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 16 AFC North showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.

However, his absence from last week’s and this week’s games provides ammunition to the season-long argument regarding the Steelers’ wide receiver room: HC Mike Tomlin and OC Arthur Smith need to give rookie WR Roman Wilson a chance.

It was recently argued by Steelers insider Gerry Dulac that Wilson’s inability to stay healthy during training camp and practices early on in 2024 forced the team to move on from his contributions this year. However, Pickens’ absence should force the team to reconsider.

In the past two games Pickens has missed, QB Russell Wilson struggled to find production out of his receivers and threw for a combined 286 yards in Weeks 14 and 15.

Regardless of Tomlin claiming to have “moved on,” or any insiders believing the rookie receiver will get his chance in 2025, one thing remains certain—the Wilson-to-Wilson connection could be the much-needed medicine for this dying Pittsburgh Steelers offense.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Arthur Smith compares Steelers offense to an ‘old pickup truck’

Pittsburgh Steelers OC Arthur Smith calls offense an “old pickup truck”—gritty, relatable, slow to start, but capable of explosive drives.

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith described the team’s offense in a way that fans might find both relatable and amusing, yet disappointing at the same time: As an “old pickup truck.” It’s a metaphor that captures the gritty, hard-working nature of the Steelers’ approach, along with its occasional challenges.

“We’re towards the top of the league in rushing,” Smith said in a Wednesday press conference. “Sometimes it’s not as efficient as you want, but I think the biggest thing, if you watched us closely, it’s really all the way around. We’ve got to do a better job—we’re like an old pickup truck.”

The analogy is accurate and not really one to be proud of. That slow start has been a recurring theme, something we’ve witnessed lose games. Smith admitted the team needs to start faster, but unless they figure out how, these last three games of the regular season — let alone the postseason — won’t be kind to them.

For Smith, the pickup truck analogy reflects the team’s ability to plod along and eventually find its rhythm. “We’ll run well. We’re pretty damn good, and the longer you get the thing in drive, sometimes it just takes a little while to crank the engine,” he said.

Smith humorously admitted, “We’ve got to get some jumper cables or whatever we got to do. I’m not a mechanic; maybe somebody around here is.” Still, despite the bumps, the offense has powered the Steelers to 10 wins, proving their durability and ability to grind through challenges, just like that old truck he referenced.

Like an old truck, the Steelers’ offense has heart, durability, and promise to get the job done when it matters.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Steelers OC Arthur Smith ‘fired up’ about Bill Belichick named UNC head coach

Pittsburgh Steelers Arthur Smith was named a top candidate for the head coach job at North Carolina, but withdrew his name.

Last week, Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was considered a top candidate for the head coach vacancy at North Carolina, where Smith played and served as a graduate assistant.

However, Smith quickly withdrew his name from consideration, and the university ultimately chose former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick for the role. 

Here’s what Smith had to say about Belichick in a press conference today:

He’s a teacher of the game, and he’s got a lot of wisdom, and that should carry over. I don’t know why you wouldn’t want to go learn the game of football from him. Like any great coach, he’s a teacher first and still really a student.

Smith signed a three-year contract with the Steelers in January.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]