ESPN Insider Predicts Arthur Smith Will Be Jets Next HC
ESPN senior national NFL reporter Dan Graziano predicts the Pittsburgh Steelers will be looking for someone to fill an important position on their coaching staff in the near future.
In an NFL coaching predictions piece he wrote Tuesday, he wrote that he foresees the New York Jets hiring current Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to fill their head coaching vacancy.
Smith served as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach for three seasons from 2021-23. He went 7-10 in each of those campaigns. He was hired by Atlanta after two years as the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coordinator. With the help of Derrick Henry — who bowled the Steelers over in Baltimore’s 28-14 AFC Wild Card playoff win on Saturday night — Smith’s attack in Nashville ranked second in total yardage and rushing yardage in 2020.
Through one season in Pittsburgh, the Steelers’ offense compiled the 23rd-most total yards and the ranked in the bottom-third in passing.
The Jets could be entering a new era, one that doesn’t involve future Pro Football Hall of Fame passer Aaron Rodgers. Promising young receiver Garrett Wilson has expressed frustration with the franchise, as well. New York’s previous head coach, Robert Saleh, lasted less than three and a half campaigns, going 20-36 during his tenure.
The Jets haven’t won a playoff game since January 2011 when Rex Ryan was at the helm. New York’s postseason run that year ended when the Steelers beat them 24-19 at home in the AFC Championship game to advance to Super Bowl XLV. Pittsburgh lost to Rodgers and now-former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy in that one.
If Smith were to depart, the Steelers would have to search for their third offensive coordinator in as many seasons. Smith took over for a unit that struggled mightily under Matt Canada in 2023.
The Steelers play the Jets at MetLife Stadium in 2025.
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