Steelers OC Arthur Smith Withdraws from North Carolina Head Coaching Search
Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has informed the University of North Carolina that he is no longer a candidate for their vacant head coaching position. The news comes as a surprise, as Smith was widely considered to be one of the top candidates for the job.
Background
Smith joined the Steelers in 2021 after spending six seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. Under his leadership, the Titans offense consistently ranked among the NFL’s best, with quarterback Ryan Tannehill posting career-high numbers.
Smith’s reputation as an offensive innovator and his success in developing quarterbacks made him an attractive candidate for the North Carolina job. The Tar Heels are in the midst of a rebuild after firing Mack Brown following the 2022 season.
Decision to Withdraw
According to sources, Smith informed North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham of his decision on Wednesday. The reasons for his withdrawal are not entirely clear, but it is believed that Smith is committed to the Steelers and the long-term vision of head coach Mike Tomlin.
The Steelers are coming off a disappointing 9-8 season, but Smith is confident that the team can bounce back in 2023. He is particularly excited about the development of quarterback Kenny Pickett, who showed flashes of his potential as a rookie.
Impact on North Carolina
Smith’s withdrawal is a major setback for North Carolina’s coaching search. The Tar Heels were hoping to land a big-name candidate to jumpstart their program, and Smith fit that bill. With Smith out of the running, North Carolina will have to explore other options.
Some potential candidates who could still be in play for the job include former Baylor head coach Matt Rhule, ex-Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores, and Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing. However, it is unclear if any of these coaches would be interested in the North Carolina position.
Conclusion
Arthur Smith’s decision to withdraw from the North Carolina head coaching search is a significant development in both the NFL and college football landscapes. The Steelers are fortunate to retain one of the league’s brightest offensive minds, while the Tar Heels must now find another candidate to lead their program into the future.