Arthur Smith Hired as Pittsburgh Steelers' New Offensive Coordinator

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Arthur Smith had a horrible year with the Falcons and has now changed courses signed with the Steelers. Smith will replace Matt Canada, who was fired during Week 11—the first coaching change made by the Steelers during a season since 1941. An offense that ranked 25th in total yards per game (304.3) and 28th in points per game (17.9) will be led by Smith.

In 2024, Kenny Pickett will be entering his fourth NFL season, making it one of Smith's hardest assignments to date to get him back in shape. After sustaining an ankle injury on December 3rd, Pickett lost his starting position to Mason Rudolph for the remainder of the season and the Steelers' lone playoff game. How can Arthur Smith change the Steelers offense around from last season?

Regarding Pickett, Steelers president Art Rooney II stated on Monday, "Obviously, he does need to take another step." "Ensuring that the next offensive coordinator assists Kenny in taking the next step is a crucial aspect".

Photo by Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation

When Smith was with the Titans, they were a run heavy team and averaged 153.3 yards per game and averaged 2.02 rushing yards after contact. From the looks of it he’s going to run the ball heavy with Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris. Without Henry, though, Smith was equally successful on the ground as 2022 Falcons fifth-round selection Tyler Allgeier had a breakout rookie campaign, rushing for 1,035 yards. Following a poor 2021 season in which they finished 31st in rushing yards and 27th in rushing touchdowns, Smith's Falcons finished that year ranked third in rushing yards and 10th in rushing touchdowns. The Falcons also placed ninth in terms of rushing yards per game and fifteenth in terms of rushing touchdowns in 2023.

In contrast, the Steelers finished 11th in rushing touchdowns and 13th in rushing yards in 2023. Smith can bring a lot to the table as I just mention with the run attack, but will it be enough for Smith to carry them to the Super Bowl or will it be a 1st round exit like 2022-2023 season?