Steelers’ New Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith Has Pat McAfee Fired Up

Steelers New Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith

Smith, previously the offensive coordinator of the Tennessee Titans, is not an unfamiliar name in football circles. During his two seasons with the Titans, Smith orchestrated an offensive renaissance that brought about great success for the team. 

The Titans started winning playoff games with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who, at the time, was struggling to find his rhythm. Kind of like the current quarterback of the Steelers Kenny Pickett.

Smith's genius lay in his implementation of the play-action pass game, which breathed new life into Tannehill's career. In 2020, under Smith's guidance, Tannehill delivered a stellar performance. He completed an impressive 65.5% of his passes for 3,819 yards, throwing 33 touchdowns and maintaining a passer rating of 106.5. 

These statistics marked slight improvement from Tannehill's 2019 numbers, where he boasted a completion rate of 70.3%, 2,742 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and a stellar passer rating of 117.5. Clearly, Smith's coaching had a profound and positive impact on Tannehill's performance, showcasing his ability to elevate a struggling quarterback's game.

Under Smith's guidance, Tannehill passed for a combined 55 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions. This impressive performance was a testament to the synergy between quarterback and coach. McAfee, an astute observer of the game, believes that the Steelers fans will grow to love Smith in Pittsburgh.

"I think this is a good hire for the Pittsburgh Steelers," McAfee remarked enthusiastically. "Pittsburgh people are going to enjoy the way Artie operates. I think Pittsburgh is going to love Artie Smith, and I think Artie is going to love Pittsburgh."

While the decision to bring in Smith as the offensive coordinator is met with some disappointment from a big portion of Steelers fans, it's important to differentiate between his role as an offensive coordinator and his previous stint as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Comparing these two roles can be a futile exercise because they demand entirely different skill sets and responsibilities. McAfee encourages Steelers fans to look at what first landed him the job with the Falcons.

“Let’s remember that the reason he had that head coaching job is because of what he did at the Tennessee Titans organization with Derrick Henry, Tannehill and the boy was so good he got a head coaching gig basically out of nowhere after sleeping on couches for a decade or so.”

As an offensive coordinator, Smith has showcased his ability to design and execute successful offensive schemes. His focus on the play-action pass game, coupled with his knack for optimizing quarterback performance, has made him a highly sought-after offensive coordinator talent. 

In the world of football, coaches often navigate a complex landscape where success and failure can be influenced by numerous factors beyond their control. While Smith's tenure with the Falcons may not have yielded the desired results, it's essential to consider his extensive experience and the valuable lessons he may have learned along the way.

As the Steelers welcome Smith as their new offensive coordinator, it's clear that the decision has generated a range of reactions among fans. While some may be hesitant due to Smith's previous challenges as a head coach, the promising track record he established as an offensive coordinator with the Titans cannot be overlooked.

With McAfee's resounding endorsement and the potential for Smith to rejuvenate the Steelers' offense, there is ample reason for optimism in Pittsburgh. As the 2024 NFL season is still far away, Steelers fans eagerly await the opportunity to witness Smith's impact on the team and the continued growth of their beloved franchise.