Lions Pursue Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith: What Could This Game-Changing Interview Reveal?

Arthur Smith is quietly surfacing as a top contender for the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator gig — a move that’s got me raising an eyebrow and wondering what this signals for the franchise’s offensive future. Reports say Detroit’s already lined up to interview him, hoping to tap into his decade-plus experience and fresh ideas. You might recall Smith’s recent run as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator — two seasons where he’s honed his craft — yet he’s not in the running to replace Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh. Instead, those head coaching whispers around Smith still float elsewhere, and if none of those pan out, Detroit’s offer could be just the right landing spot. It’s worth noting his head coaching stint with the Falcons from 2021 to 2023, plus a solid decade with the Titans, including coordinating their offense. This all makes me think Detroit’s aiming to boost their playbook with a savvy mind who’s been all over the league’s offensive playgrounds. LEARN MORE

Arthur Smith has emerged as a candidate to be the next offensive coordinator of the Lions.

The Lions have requested an interview with Smith, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Smith spent the last two seasons as offensive coordinator of the Steelers, but he is not a candidate to replace Mike Tomlin as the head coach in Pittsburgh. He has been mentioned as a candidate for other head-coaching vacancies, but if he doesn’t get any of those jobs, the coordinator position in Detroit could be the next-best option for him.

The 43-year-old Smith was head coach of the Falcons from 2021 to 2023. He previously spent 10 seasons as an assistant coach for the Titans, serving as their offensive coordinator for the last two seasons.