Steelers’ Arthur Smith Named as Possible Candidate to Replace Mack Brown at North Carolina
The University of North Carolina (UNC) is beginning its search for a new head football coach after announcing that Mack Brown will step down following the 2024 season.
Among the names floated as a potential replacement is Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who has strong ties to the program.
Smith, a 2006 graduate of UNC, spent one year as a graduate assistant at his alma mater before embarking on a successful coaching career in the NFL.
Though he has limited experience in college football, Smith’s NFL track record, including his tenure as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, has earned him considerable attention.
His work as Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator in 2024 has led to the Steelers’ offensive resurgence, making him a prime candidate for top coaching jobs.
During his time in Atlanta (2021–2023), Smith struggled with roster turnover and a lack of stability at the quarterback position. However, his tenure in Pittsburgh has been marked by significant improvements.
Under Smith’s guidance, the Steelers’ offense has been revitalized, thanks to better quarterback play and an increased focus on the running game and big plays in the passing attack. His ability to manage both veteran and young quarterbacks, including Russell Wilson, has garnered praise from analyst.
Smith’s connection to UNC runs deep. He was a reserve offensive lineman for the Tar Heels during his college years and later worked as a graduate assistant under head coach John Bunting.
This background has many speculating that he could be drawn back to Chapel Hill if the opportunity arises. Additionally, Smith’s time at UNC comes just after the departure of the legendary Brown, who had been with the program for a second stint since 2019.
While Smith’s success in the NFL has positioned him as a potential head coaching candidate in both the college and professional ranks, it remains to be seen if he will leave the Steelers so soon after helping them return to playoff contention.
However, his ties to the UNC program, combined with his recent success, make him a compelling option to lead the Tar Heels into the next chapter of their football program.
UNC’s search for a replacement is in its early stages, with several other candidates also being considered. But Arthur Smith’s name, linked with the program’s storied history, could make him a favorite in this high-profile coaching race.
