Steelers hire Arthur Smith Why Pittsburgh chose former Falcons HC as new offensive coordinator

Steelers hire Arthur Smith Why Pittsburgh chose former Falcons HC as new offensive coordinator

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Pre sure is building on Steelers coach Mike Tomlin despite 17 consecutive seasons without a losing record. Pittsburgh hasn't won a playoff game in seven years, and more offensive struggles in 2023 made Tomlin's search for an offensive coordinator particularly meaningful. Now, the Steelers have their man, according to -- former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith.The Steelers were intent on going outside the Hines Ward Jersey organization for their next offensive play-caller, and they landed a coach with not only play-calling experience but head coaching experience, as well.Smith was fired by the Falcons earlier in January after three consecutive 7-10 seasons as Atlanta's head coach.Here's what you need to know about why the Steelers are hiring Smith, plus a look at the 41-year-old's coaching history.MORE: The Steelers likely know they will need to run efficiently the ball to win in 2024, with no clear solution at quarterback unle s Kenny Pickett can take a big step forward. The running game is Smith's specialty.Smith was the Titans' offensive coordinator during Derrick Henry's two most productive rushing seasons, including Henry's 2,027-yard campaign in 2020. While Smith's usage of the Falcons' best weapons was criticized over the past three years, Atlanta finished top 10 in rushing yards in both '22 and Cameron Sutton Jersey '23.That doesn't mean Smith's Falcons offenses were a succe s by any means. Atlanta's rushing attack was used heavily in 2023, but it sat near the middle of the pack in efficiency despite strong run-blocking and the addition of Bijan Robinson. That might have played out differently if the Falcons had a bigger threat at quarterback, but it can be argued that Smith won't be working with a much better QB situation in Pittsburgh.Smith's work with Pickett or a veteran quarterback addition will be crucial, but with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren both locked into the Steelers' backfield in 2024, the biggest priority might be finding a way to run the ball consistently after an up-and-down 2023 in that department.Steelers owner Art Rooney emphasized the need to win in the playoffs this week, telling ESPN, "We've had enough of this. It's time to get some wins; it's time to take these next steps." That means Tomlin and Smith will enter 2024 under quite a bit of pre sure to compete with the AFC's best despite the conference's slew of high-end quarterback talent.MORE: Smith has five years of Louis Lipps Jersey offensive play-calling experience between the Titans and Falcons, and he's served a handful of other roles on both sides of the ball in his coaching career.Year(s)TeamPosition2006North CarolinaGraduate a sistant2007-08Washington (NFL)Defensive quality control2010Ole Mi sDefensive intern2011TitansDefensive quality control2012TitansOffensive quality control2013TitansOL coach2014-15TitansA sistant TE coach2016-18TitansTE coach2019-20TitansOffensive coordinator2021-23FalconsHead coach2024SteelersOffensive coordinator