Team President Art Rooney II addressed the media, indicating that while Smith might remain with the organization, he is not in the running to replace Tomlin. Rooney stated, “Right now, I don’t think anybody on our staff is a candidate,” suggesting that Smith’s future will depend on the new head coach’s decisions. 🗣️
Smith has previously served as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, where he recorded a 21-30 record over two seasons. With 17 years of NFL coaching experience, his name has surfaced in head coaching discussions both in the NFL and college football, but Rooney’s comments imply that Pittsburgh might not be his next destination. 🔄
While Smith appears to be the most viable internal candidate for the Steelers, Rooney’s statement opens the door for other potential candidates. Coaches like running backs coach Eddie Faulkner and quarterbacks coach Tom Arth have been mentioned, though they lack the same head coach consideration that Smith has received. 🔍
In addition to the Steelers, Smith’s connections to the Tennessee Titans and interest from the Arizona Cardinals for an interview suggest that his coaching journey may lead him elsewhere. Unless Rooney reconsiders, Smith’s chances of becoming the Steelers’ head coach seem slim. 🚪
