10 Potential Replacements for Arthur Smith if the Steelers’ OC Position Becomes Vacant

Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith might force the Steelers to find a replacement this offseason.

There are plenty of rumors surrounding the Steelers offensive coordinator right now. It is somewhat a breath of fresh air to know some members of the coaching staff have interest from outside teams, but it is also hard to imagine Pittsburgh only having Arthur Smith in town for one season. Success brings new jobs, and it seems like Smith will be prepping for Head coaching interviews after this year.

The black and gold finally got a solid offensive coordinator after years of scrutiny around the team. It will be a tough pill to swallow if Smith lands a job upgrade either in the NFL or the college ranks. He already bypassed the University of North Carolina’s top job, so it seems like a perfect opportunity would have to arise. Pittsburgh will be worried if Smith leaves a vacancy at offensive coordinator.

Honorable mentions: Zac Taylor (Bengals HC), Mark Brunell (Lions QB), Kevin Stefanski (Browns HC), Mike McCarthy (Cowboys HC), Liam Coen (Buccaneers OC), Spencer Whipple (Cardinals pass game specialist).

A couple of interesting honorable mentions pop out, but it depends on if they either get fired or are willing to take the Steelers offensive coordinator spot. Zac Taylor or Kevin Stefanski would be tremendous replacements for Smith. There could also be some staff changes around the NFL and some young and upcoming coaches like Liam Coen or Spencer Whipple could be fun choices.

Tom Arth (Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback coach)

Let’s get the Steeler’s obvious top choice to replace Smith as offensive coordinator out of the way. Pittsburgh has Tom Arth on the staff, and he is an upcoming offensive mind. He deserves a lot of credit for helping Justin Fields during his starting stint and helping Russell Wilson find his game. If The Black and Gold decide to hire from within, someone like Arth would make a ton of sense.

Doug Pederson (Jacksonville Jaguars Head coach)

He should be out of the Jaguar’s top job before the offseason kicks into high gear. Doug Pederson was seen as one of the best offensive minds in recent years, but that has stalled some in the past season or two. Pederson has a ton of offensive coordinator experience, and he could see Smith’s one-year assentation as a perfect opportunity for him to get another top job in the NFL once again.

Tanner Engstrand (Detroit Lions Passing game coordinator)

It seems like everyone wants some coach on the Lions staff. The Steelers should investigate the idea of adding Tanner Engstrand if Smith leaves. He is a young guy who has never had any professional experience as an offensive coordinator unless you count his time in the XFL. Engstrand is seen as a young and upcoming guy who should get opportunities for play-calling duties next year.

Anthony Lynn (Washington Commanders running backs coach/run game coordinator)

Anthony Lynn is someone who carries a wealth of experience with him not only in the offensive ranks but as a Head coach too. He has held the title of offensive coordinator two times in his NFL career. He has also done a ton of work with rush games during his time in the league. We know Pittsburgh loves run-heavy offenses, so he would fit into what Mike Tomlin wants to do.

Eric Bieniemy (former UCLA Offensive coordinator/Associate Head coach)

He was just let go at UCLA but don’t discount Eric Bieniemy remaining in the hiring cycle both in college and the NFL. He was one of the best coordinators in the league when he was with the Chiefs. He has fallen out of favor since his departure there, but you cannot deny his success. If the Steelers want someone who is looking to redeem themselves, then Bieniemy would be a great option.

Josh McCown (Minnesota Vikings Quarterback coach)

Perhaps Pittsburgh wants someone who can get into the mind of a quarterback, and no better choice would be Josh McCown. He just retired from playing football in 2020 and has gotten some quality coaching experience after that. He has probably learned a lot from Vikings Head Coach Kevin O’Connell, who is one of the better offensive minds in the NFL.

Klay Kubiak (San Francisco 49ers Offensive pass game specialist)

Many had Klint Kubiak as a top option before Smith took over the Steelers offensive coordinator duties. Perhaps Klint could still be a choice this offseason, but Klay Kubiak (his brother) could be another option. He is still a very young coach, but he is the son of Gary Kubiak. Tomlin will love those football bloodlines. If the Steelers want a young innovative mind, then Kubiak could be the hire.

Brian Daboll (New York Giants Head coach)

Keeping the former Head coach theme going here since Tomlin was interested in Smith because of that. Brian Daboll might be in the worst spot in his career, but before the Giant’s job, he was seen as one of the premiere play-callers. His time in Buffalo was terrific for his tenure, and the Steelers could be a tremendous opportunity for him to rebound his career based on a successful offense.

David Girardi (Kansas City Chiefs Quarterback coach)

He hails from New Kensington, PA, and has a ton of local Pittsburgh college experience. He has been the quarterbacks coach with the Chiefs for the past two years. They continue to hire outside replacements for outgoing offensive coordinators. If Kansas City can’t find a better promotion for David Girardi anytime soon, then perhaps a return to Pittsburgh would be tremendous for him.

Kevin Patullo (Philadelpha Eagles Pass game coordinator/Associate Head coach)

He could become a Head coach within the next few years if everything breaks right for him, but Kevin Patullo would be a nice replacement for Smith. He has never held an offensive coordinator job throughout his career, but he remains active in Philadelphia’s passing game. He is a big part of their coaching staff and would be a nice replacement if the Steelers have to find one this offseason.