Steelers OC Arthur Smith Named a Top Head Coach Candidate at UNC

Could Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith be on the move after just one season?

On Tuesday, On3Sports reported that the Steelers’ offensive coordinator is a leading hot-name candidate for the University of North Carolina heading coaching job.

In addition to On3Sports, multiple outlets have also confirmed Smith is a strong candidate for the job. Not only is Smith a strong coach for any head coaching position, but his ties to UNC make him an even hotter candidate. After spending his collegiate playing career at UNC as an offensive guard, he began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at his alma mater.

This report comes after news broke that current head coach Mack Brown would not be brought back for the 2025 season. Brown, who was in his second stint as UNC’s head coach, has posted a career record of 113-78-1 with the Tar Heels. His return to coaching came after a six-year hiatus after his departure from Texas – where he departed UNC from initially to take the job.

However, after four straight bowl losses and a disappointing 2024 campaign, UNC appears to be ready to make changes. Among possible candidates includes promoting former Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens who is currently a tight ends coach on the UNC staff.

Arthur Smith, who spent 10 years with the Tennessee Titans, was brought to Pittsburgh after being let go as head coach by the Atlanta Falcons. Since joining the Steelers, Smith has improved the offensive efficiency including overseeing an offense producing over 20 points per game, Najee Harris on pace for a career year, and George Pickens emerging as a top weapon at receiver in the NFL.

The Steelers would certainly like to keep Smith based on the offensive progression. However, head coach Mike Tomlin is not one to prevent strong coaches from seeking advancements as seen recently with Brian Flores taking the defensive coordinator job with the Minnesota Vikings.