The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a success this season with Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator. They sit atop the AFC North, competing closely with the Baltimore Ravens. Smith has embraced the run-heavy approach with the Steelers, who have been highly effective, averaging 135.2 yards per game. The 42-year-old coach has garnered interest from his alma mater North Carolina to take over head coaching duties.

North Carolina's vacancy is left by Mack Brown after spending the last six years of his career as head coach. The Tar Heels finished 6-6 in the 2024-25 season, after falling to NC State Saturday in the season finale. Smith recently informed UNC that he should not be considered a candidate, sources say, per Ian Rapoport.

“I appreciate it, love that place. But that's not my focus,” Smith told reporters on Thursday about UNC's preliminary phone call this week, per Rapoport. “I've got one of the best jobs in football right now. There's a lot to be said too about (how you) can't put a price on personal and professional happiness, which I have here.”

The Steelers face the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13, as Smith will continue pushing the offense against one of the NFL's worst defenses.

Article Continues Below
More Pittsburgh Steelers News
T.J. Watt trade odds favor Eagles amid contract uncertainty
T.J. Watt trade odds favor Eagles amid contract uncertaintyChris Spiering ·
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin looks at the scoreboard against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers’ Mike Tomlin weighs in on T.J. Watt contract situationDouglas Fritz ·
Aaron Rodgers (in street clothes) smiling. DK Metcalf (in a Steelers uniform). Both surrounded by googly emoji eyes
What Steelers’ DK Metcalf likes so much about Aaron RodgersGuillermo Guajardo ·
Feb 6, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers celebrates with the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Aaron Rodgers, Mike Tomlin make Super Bowl history not seen in 32 yearsMike Gianakos ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) puts on his helmet during minicamp at their South Side facility. Tom Arth
Aaron Rodgers ‘thoughtful’ gesture that stood out to Steelers coachOwen Crisafulli ·
Jun 10, 2025; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) looks over his helmet during minicamp at their South Side facility.
Why Will Howard was surprised at Aaron Rodgers first impressionBen Strauss ·

Arthur Smith to remain Steelers' offensive coordinator beyond this season

Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith observes warm ups before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Acrisure Stadium.
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Smith has been an ideal fit, running the offense that features veteran Russell Wilson and a strong running back duo in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. He's helped Pittsburgh restore the balance that they were missing last season. It makes sense why he wouldn't dare leaving his current situation, as the Steelers' sheer defensive dominance allows him to better manage the playcalling.

Smith has built a more robust resume as an offensive coordinator, rather than as a head coach. The Atlanta Falcons moved on from him after three seasons, as they finished with a 7-10 record in the 2023-24 campaign. But he turned the Tennessee Titans into one of the best NFL offenses in 2019 and 2020, so it's likely that he feels content in his current role.