Smith has a solid coaching background, having served as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers over the last two seasons and as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2021 to 2023. During his tenure as a head coach, he recorded a 21-30 win-loss record. 🏈 With 17 years of NFL coaching experience, Smith previously held the offensive coordinator role with the Tennessee Titans from 2019 to 2020.
The Lions are looking for a new offensive coordinator for the second consecutive year after firing John Morton at the end of the 2025 season. While Smith may not have the same innovative reputation as Ben Johnson, who had notable success with the Lions and the Chicago Bears, he could still be a good fit for Detroit’s offensive needs. 🔄
Smith is known for his run-heavy offensive strategies and effective use of play-action passes. Over the past seven seasons, he has consistently called plays, with five of those years seeing his offenses rank in the top 10 for rushing attempts and top 11 for rushing yards. 📈 Notably, during his time with the Titans in 2020, Smith’s offense finished second in total yards and fourth in points scored, largely thanks to standout players like Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill.
In Detroit, Smith could potentially leverage similar talent with Jahmyr Gibbs, offering the Lions a promising offensive direction. As the team continues its search for a new offensive coordinator, Smith’s experience and track record make him a compelling candidate. 🌟