Steelers Almost Lost Arthur Smith to Alma Mater

According to a report by ESPN, University of North Carolina athletic director Bubba Cunningham's first choice to fill the eventual head coaching vacancy upon the departure of Mack Brown was Smith.

Eventually, former New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick filled the position, but that wasn't until after Cunningham and Smith had conversations.

"In truth, however, Cunningham had his sights set on another former NFL head coach -- former UNC player and current Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith," ESPN reported.

"They were all hopeful they could lure Smith back to Chapel Hill, and then whether it was Belichick or anybody else, it would have been a moot point. Smith is who they wanted," one source said.

Cunningham contacted Smith during the season last year in November before Brown was out in Chapel Hill. There was reportedly no formal interview, but Cunningham and Smith kept in touch. As an alum, Smith received support from the program and was considered to be a consensus candidate.

“I appreciate it, love that place," Smith said in November. "But that's not my focus. I've got one of the best jobs in football right now. There's a lot to be said, too, about can't put a price on personal and professional happiness, which I have here. Love that place, appreciate it. But that's usually how it goes. People cast a wide net and then some narratives get out of control.”