UNC Is Calling, Will Arthur Smith Answer?

At 8-3, the Pittsburgh Steelers have entrenched themselves among the league’s top teams. Thus, they could very well find themselves losing coaches to promotions this offseason.

It seems the calls have already started coming in.

After the University of North Carolina fired head coach Mack Brown, the search for a new lead man began. Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith was among the initial candidates.

However, the Pittsburgh faithful don’t have to worry just yet, as Smith quickly turned down the opportunity.

“Reality is [UNC] reached out on a preliminary call,” Smith said, via Brooke Pryor. “I appreciate it, love that place. 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.”

Smith graduated from North Carolina in 2005 and started his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the Tar Heels a year later.

The Steelers are not without some warts on the offensive side of the ball. But Smith has been far better than his predecessor, Matt Canada, and has earned the trust of the fan base.

Smith has successfully managed the quarterback controversy, putting both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson in a position to succeed. 

Throw in the litany of offensive line injuries and little help at receiver, and Pittsburgh ranking 16th in expected points added per play seems rather encouraging.

Nevertheless, Smith has some work to do before he cements himself as one of the league’s best coordinators (for the second time). That work begins in the red zone and will be put to the test as the weather worsens and threatens the Steelers’ downfield attack.

With anything less than a collapse, though, Smith will be back in Western Pennsylvania for Round 2 in 2025.