The reports began around noon on Tuesday that the Pittsburgh Steelers had made their choice for their new offensive coordinator. Initially reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the reports of Arthur Smith being hired by the Steelers began to expand to a variety of sources and to include the information that it was a three-year deal. With all the credible reports coming in, there was very little doubt in the authenticity of the information. The only thing remaining was for the Steelers to officially make the announcement.

The wait is now over as the Steelers have officially announced the hiring of Arthur Smith as their offensive coordinator.

We have named Arthur Smith as our offensive coordinator.

📝: https://t.co/2vCoOa8nc6 pic.twitter.com/r6G6r1Fquq

— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) February 2, 2024

Smith interviewed for the position with the Steelers this past Sunday as one of ultimately three interviews the Steelers announced. The reports of Smith being hired on Monday proceeded the news later in the day in regards to the other two candidates the Steelers interviewed for the position. It was reported Jerrod Johnson was staying in Houston as the quarterbacks and former Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Thomas Brown is reportedly joining the Bears as their pass game coordinator.

Although Smith struggled as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, his resume as an offensive coordinator tells a different story. Smith got his start with the Tennessee Titans as a quality control coach under Mike Munchak, but was eventually promoted to assistant offensive line and assistant tight ends coach in 2013.

After Munchak was fired in 2013, Smith remained with the Titans for tenures with Ken Whisenhunt, Mike Mularkey and even Mike Vrabel as the tight ends coach. Under Vrabel in 2019 was when Smith did his best job as a play caller replacing Matt LaFleur, who left for his head coaching job with the Green Bay Packers. In that season Smith’s offense was the highest-scoring Titans team in 16 years, with Derrick Henry, Ryan Tannehill, and Jonnu Smith having career years. Smith was praised for his play-calling in the Titans’ 28-12 win over the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Divisional Round. He was hired to be the Falcons head coach in 2021 but finished with three straight 7-10 seasons in a less-than-stellar NFC South division.

Now that the first piece has been made official, exactly how much of the Steelers 2023 offensive coaching staff who will remain can be answered. Before final decisions were made in regards to the various assistant coaches, the Steelers had to answer the big question of offensive coordinator above all. How much the Steelers offensive coaching staff is changed is now likely to be answered in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned to Steel Curtain Network’s coverage of the Pittsburgh Steelers 2024 offseason.