In a shocking yet strategic move, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly in serious discussions with Arthur Smith to potentially replace their current offensive coordinator. With Smith gaining significant attention for his impressive work with the Atlanta Falcons, this could be a major shift for Pittsburgh’s offensive future. To make things even more intriguing, Smith’s potential replacement could be none other than Mack Brown, the experienced head coach with deep ties to both college and professional football.
The Steelers’ Offensive Struggles and the Search for a Solution
The Steelers have long been a team built around strong defense and a physical running game. However, in recent seasons, the offensive side of the ball has been underperforming, struggling with consistency and explosiveness. Despite a decent showing from rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett, the Steelers have failed to make the most out of their offensive talent, leading to frustration among fans and analysts alike.
The team’s front office has reportedly taken a hard look at the coaching staff, knowing that changes may be necessary to maximize the potential of their roster. As part of this reflection, they’ve been considering a number of possible candidates to bring in fresh ideas and leadership to the offense.
Arthur Smith: A Proven Offensive Mind
Arthur Smith has gained recognition for his work with the Atlanta Falcons, particularly for his ability to develop young quarterbacks and design an offense that leverages the running game while still being able to stretch the field. His most notable achievement was guiding the Falcons’ offense to a more balanced and efficient unit in 2023, despite the challenges that come with working with a young quarterback like Desmond Ridder.
Smith has also shown a great deal of flexibility in his schemes, tailoring the offense to the strengths of his players, such as using the running back tandem of Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson effectively in the Falcons’ offense. His ability to blend power running with play-action passing could make him an ideal fit for Pittsburgh’s traditional identity, which has always valued physical football.
Though the Steelers have not confirmed anything yet, insiders are suggesting that Smith could be the perfect candidate to replace the outgoing offensive coordinator and bring a more dynamic style to Pittsburgh’s offense. He has reportedly already had several high-level discussions with team brass, and while nothing has been finalized, a deal is expected to come together in the coming weeks.
Mack Brown: A Potential Future in the NFL
Now, where does Mack Brown fit into this picture?
The name Mack Brown might not immediately bring to mind a connection with NFL offensive coordinating. After all, Brown has been a staple of college football for decades, most famously as the head coach at the University of North Carolina. However, Brown’s coaching acumen and long track record of developing top-tier offensive talent have made him an appealing option for the NFL.
Brown’s track record in college football has been nothing short of impressive. His ability to nurture young quarterbacks like Sam Howell at North Carolina and build high-powered offenses has turned heads at the next level. In fact, several NFL teams have reached out to Brown in the past about potential coaching roles in the pros, though he has remained loyal to his collegiate roots. However, the right situation—like the one potentially unfolding in Pittsburgh—might be just what it takes to entice him to make the jump to the NFL.
What Does This Mean for the Steelers?
If Arthur Smith is indeed hired as the Steelers’ new offensive coordinator, it would signal a clear shift in the team’s offensive philosophy. Smith’s style of play calls for a balance of ground-and-pound football and vertical passing, which could complement Pittsburgh’s existing personnel well, particularly with running back Najee Harris and wide receiver George Pickens. Moreover, Smith’s track record of developing young quarterbacks could prove crucial for the continued growth of Kenny Pickett.
On the other hand, bringing in Mack Brown as a potential successor in the coaching ranks—whether in an advisory or official capacity—could further accelerate Pittsburgh’s transition to a more modern offense. Brown’s knowledge of up-tempo offenses and his ability to work with young players could be just what the Steelers need to get their offense to the next level.
Conclusion
While everything is still in the early stages, the potential pairing of Arthur Smith with Mack Brown as part of the Steelers’ offensive revamp could be a game-changer. Smith’s tactical genius and ability to revitalize offenses, combined with Brown’s experience developing offensive talent and his knowledge of modern schemes, could provide the perfect formula for Pittsburgh’s offense to make a leap in 2024.
Whether or not these moves come to fruition remains to be seen, but for Steelers fans, the prospect of a new offensive era is enough to spark optimism and excitement heading into the offseason.
