Pittsburgh, PA — October 14, 2025,

The Pittsburgh Steelers are grappling with the possibility of losing offensive coordinator (OC) Arthur Smith following the 2025 season, as rumors about his future continue to swirl. With the team boasting a 4-1 record after their 23-9 victory over the Cleveland Browns last week, Smith has brought stability to the offense, yet reports suggest he may not remain at Acrisure Stadium beyond this year.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Smith ranks among the top candidates for the head coaching vacancy with the Tennessee Titans, who recently dismissed Brian Callahan after a Week 6 loss (1-5). Having served as Titans’ OC and guiding Derrick Henry to a 2,000-yard season, Smith is seen as a strong contender to return to his home region near Memphis. “Despite Pittsburgh’s current success, Smith’s name is bound to surface in head coaching interviews,” Rapoport noted on NFL Gameday Kickoff on Monday.

Smith joined the Steelers at the start of the 2024 season, injecting new life into the offense with Aaron Rodgers (510 TDs), marking a significant improvement from the Matt Canada era. Through six weeks of 2025, the offense averages 212 passing yards per game, though it ranks 26th in big plays (17). However, interest from the Titans and potential overtures from North Carolina Tar Heels (his alma mater) are mounting pressure on his tenure.

Head coach Mike Tomlin declined to comment on Smith’s future, but general manager Omar Khan acknowledged, “We value Arthur’s contributions, but football is an ever-evolving journey.” Fans on X expressed concern: “Smith leaving would be a huge loss—who’ll lead the offense?” (Steelers Nation, 14/10/2025).

With a challenging schedule ahead (Bengals in Week 7, Ravens in Week 8), the Steelers rely on Smith to sustain their momentum. Yet, if Titans or Tar Heels extend an offer, Smith’s decision could shift, leaving Pittsburgh to ponder his successor.