Not closely connected to John Harbaugh, the Cardinals’ HC search has been a background item as the sweepstakes for the ex-Ravens leader heat up. But Arizona is moving along with non-Harbaugh candidates.
One of them is Arthur Smith. The Steelers’ two-year OC received an interview request from the Cardinals on Wednesday, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets. This is Smith’s second request; he met with the Titans, one of his former NFL employers, are meeting with him today.
The Steelers’ season is now over, clearing Smith’s schedule regarding coaching interest. Smith, 43, was a coveted candidate once upon a time; his star has dimmed a bit after three straight 7-10 seasons as the Falcons’ HC. Smith did receive interviews for the Bears and Jets’ positions last year.
While not the HC prospect he once was, Smith did coax a solid season from Aaron Rodgers after helping a Russell Wilson-guided team to the playoffs last season. After a 28th-place offensive ranking in 2023, the Steelers rebounded under Smith by finishing 16th in scoring last season. They moved to 15th in 2025. Rodgers finished with 3,322 yards in 16 starts, throwing 24 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. The all-time great averaged only 6.7 yards per attempt, but Pittsburgh’s offense lacked much firepower beyond D.K. Metcalf.
Smith leaned into the run with Atlanta, almost by choice due to the team’s QB situation. After the Falcons traded Matt Ryan to the Colts in 2022, Smith oversaw offenses piloted by Marcus Mariota and then Desmond Ridder. The Falcons stood down on QB investments in 2023, giving the job to Ridder. That turned out to be a mistake, one that played the lead role in Smith being fired. But the former Titans OC is back in the mix for a top job. With nine vacancies now — including the Steelers’, with Smith boss Mike Tomlin stepping down after 19 years — Smith is a name to follow once again.
Via PFR’s HC Search Tracker, here is how the Cardinals’ process looks as of Wednesday morning:
- Thomas Brown, tight ends coach (Patriots): Interview requested
- Matt Burke, defensive coordinator (Texans): Interview requested
- Jeff Hafley, defensive coordinator (Packers): Interview requested
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Contacted
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interviewed 1/10
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/10
- Mike LaFleur, offensive coordinator (Rams): To interview
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/13
- Raheem Morris, former head coach (Falcons): To interview
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/9
- Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator (49ers): To interview
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interview requested
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interview requested
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/9
lol he’ll give his best weapons 3 targets a game and 2 carries a game
He gets a lot of chances for poor coaching.
Please no
I’m very happy that Smith will no longer be running the Steelers offense. He’d have been a decent OC, if it was 1935
Hard to win with two immobile QBs who no longer have elite arm strength (Russ and A-Aron) unless you’re a genius. And he’s smart but not innovative.