One year after being fired by the Atlanta Falcons , Arthur Smith appears to be back in the mix for an NFL head-coaching gig. Smith, who spent the 2024 season as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers , was interviewed by the Chicago Bears on Wednesday.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the former Falcons coach has another interview scheduled with the New York Jets on Thursday. Smith didn't exactly turn the Steelers offense around but is credited for getting the most out of a less-than-ideal quarterback situation.
Pittsburgh made the playoffs this season and Russell Wilson played decent football for most of the year. Smith's experience as a head coach and offensive play-caller has helped him draw interest from NFL teams again.
The Falcons went 21-30 during Smith's three years as head coach (2021-2023), finishing with a record of 7-10 in three consecutive seasons. Atlanta improved slightly in 2024 with an 8-9 record.
Raheem Morris and Kirk Cousins had the team off to a 6-3 start before going on a four-game losing streak, leading to the team making a midseason quarterback change to Michael Penix Jr .
Going forward, the Falcons appear to have their QB of the future, which will give Morris a better chance to succeed than Smith.
PFF suggests Falcons sign Cowboys cornerback in free agency
Falcons sign offensive lineman to reserve/future contract
Falcons to interview Wink Martindale for DC vacancy, per report
Falcons Offseason: 11 offensive players will be free agents in 2025
Tracking each interview for Falcons defensive coordinator vacancy
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Arthur Smith interviewed by Chicago Bears for head coach vacancy
