The Pittsburgh Steelers are optimistic about Arthur Smith’s potential to improve one of the NFL’s most underachieving offenses.
The Steelers are close to a deal to appoint Smith as their new offensive coordinator, following his firing by the Atlanta Falcons. Smith’s success as offensive coordinator in Tennessee and Atlanta was not replicated in Atlanta.
Pittsburgh’s Art Rooney II believes starting quarterback Kenny Pickett is necessary for the team’s future success. He expressed interest in bringing back free-agent Mason Rudolph to compete with Pickett during training camp, praising Rudolph’s performance down the stretch. The team managed a 10-7 record and a playoff berth despite a 25th-ranked offense.
Smith will lead the team in enhancing scoring to alleviate pressure on Pittsburgh’s star-heavy defense, which has struggled in scoring in four of the past five seasons, leading to the team’s first in-season dismissal since WWII.
Pittsburgh is close to making a hire for its upcoming quarterback, with the team boasting a strong running back tandem, a talented wide receiver, and a strong tight end, with the team’s Rooney stating they are close to making the hire.
Rooney expressed anticipation for a fresh approach to help young players grow and improve the offense, a departure from the “Killer B” era in the mid-2010s.
Pittsburgh’s Steelers have remained competitive despite their offense, but have been exposed in the postseason. Smith’s style fit with the Steelers, who are aiming to build a physical team that leans on the run, could be beneficial.
