An outstanding name coached tight ends and the OL before becoming the Titans’ OC in 2019. During that season, the team advanced to the AFC Championship Game. He’s now being called a ‘name to watch’ for the Titans’ HC opening
The Pittsburgh Steelers have one assistant coach on their 2025 coaching staff with head coaching experience — offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Similar to last year, the Steelers will likely have to deal with the threat of losing Smith to a new head coaching opportunity this upcoming offseason.
On Monday night, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport floated Smith as a “name to watch” in the Tennessee Titans head coach opening.
The Steelers offensive coordinator possesses strong roots to the Titans and state of Tennessee. Smith coached with the Titans from 2011-20, rising the coaching ranks from quality control coach to offensive coordinator.
Smith, who was born in Memphis, Tennessee, then gained experience as a head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2021-23. He’s been the Steelers offensive coordinator the past two years.
The Titans have an opening at head coach after firing Brian Callahan just six games into his second season. Callahan posted a 4-19 record as Tennessee’s head coach.
Tennessee fired Callahan on Monday. Rapoport named Smith and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy the two coaches “to watch” with the Titans opening.
Arthur Smith’s NFL Coaching Resume
Rapoport seemed to be suggesting Smith and Nagy as possible candidates for the Titans rather than reporting there was actual interest. But connecting Smith to Tennessee makes a ton of sense.
After beginning his NFL coaching career with the then Washington Redskins and a couple college programs, Smith joined the Titans coaching staff under Mike Munchak. During Smith’s tenure in Tennessee, he survived multiple head coaching changes to serve under four different head coaches.
Smith coached tight ends and the offensive line before becoming offensive coordinator under Mike Vrabel in 2019. During that season, the Titans advanced to the AFC championship game.
In two seasons with Smith as offensive coordinator, Tennessee had a top three rushing offense. Former top 10 selected quarterback Ryan Tannehill also revitalized his career in Smith’s offense.
During his two seasons as offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh, the Steelers haven’t been overly impressive statistically. But Smith’s units have suited the team’s overall philosophy — run the ball, limit mistakes and score off turnovers.
Now 22 games into Smith’s tenure, the Steelers have posted winning records with three different starting quarterbacks.
In Atlanta, Smith posted a 21-30 record as head coach. The Falcons went 7-10 in all three of his seasons.
Mike Tomlin’s Steelers Coaching Tree
Pundits linked Smith to multiple different head coach openings, including in college, last year. It seems as if it’s only a matter of time until Smith lands another head coaching opportunity.
If he leaves for that chance directly after being the Steelers offensive coordinator, he will be the first assistant under Mike Tomlin to do so.
No assistant under Tomlin has ever departed the Steelers directly to become a head coach.
Bruce Arians served as Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator under Tomlin from 2007-11. Arians was actually Tomlin’s first OC, and he was in that role when the team earned two Super Bowl berths.
But the Steelers didn’t retain Arians following the 2011 season. Arians then became Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator and interim head coach before becoming the Arizona Cardinals head coach.
With Smith’s previous head coaching experience, he might not count as a branch on Tomlin’s coaching tree for some pundits. But at least Tomlin would have some type of bud on his tree.
Colts HC Shane Steichen to make final decision on QB situation behind Daniel Jones

The Indianapolis Colts are rolling at 5-1, but quarterback depth has become a major storyline heading into Week 7. With Anthony Richardson on injured reserve, head coach Shane Steichen will decide who backs up Daniel Jones — either rookie Riley Leonard or veteran Brett Rypien.
The Athletic’s James Boyd took to X (formerly known as Twitter), reporting that a team source confirmed Steichen will make the call after evaluating both options in practice this week.
“Source said #Colts HC Shane Steichen will have the final say of who is QB2 between Riley Leonard and Brett Rypien.
We can also ask Steichen before practice tomorrow (and again Friday after Rypien has practiced the whole week).”
Leonard, a sixth-round rookie from Notre Dame, has been with the Colts all season and has taken most backup reps since Richardson’s eye injury. Meanwhile, Rypien signed to the practice squad on October 14 and brings veteran experience from stints with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks.
The decision carries weight. Jones has completely revived his career under Steichen, leading the AFC’s top scoring offense. But should he miss time, the Colts must trust the next man up to keep their momentum going.
Steichen’s evaluation extends beyond game readiness — it’s also about locker room confidence and long-term continuity. Coaches and teammates alike have praised both quarterbacks for their preparation, making the final decision a reflection of who best aligns with the Colts’ offensive identity.
Leonard offers upside and youth, while Rypien brings system familiarity and game experience. The choice by the Colts coach will reveal whether he values development or veteran security as the team pushes for a playoff run.
Steichen is expected to speak before and after practice later this week, with a final depth chart decision coming no later than Friday. Until then, the quarterback room remains under review.