THE Chicago Bear are searching for their next head coach, where general manager Ryan Poles will lead the charge in an extensive search that will include emerging coordinators, former head coaches and even a current head coach.
As the coaching carousel begins to make its way around the league, many names are linked to the Bears, including Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who has head coaching experience and has the experience offense the team could look to help develop quarterback Caleb Williams.
With Smith expected to interview with Chicago, here’s an in-depth look at Smith and what he could potentially bring to the Bears as their next head coach.
Background
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Current employment: Offensive coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers (2024–present)
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Age: 42
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Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee
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College: North Carolina
Experience
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Offensive coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers (2024–present)
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Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons (2021-2023)
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Offensive Coordinator, Tennessee Titans (2019-2020)
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Tight ends coach, Tennessee Titans (2016–2018)
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Assistant tight ends coach, Tennessee Titans (2014–2015)
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Offensive line, Tennessee Titans (2013)
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Offensive Quality Control Coach, Tennessee Titans (2012)
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Defensive Quality Control Coach, Tennessee Titans (2011)
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Defensive intern/administrative assistant, Ole Mademoiselle (2010)
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Defensive Quality Control Coach, Washington Redskins (2007-2008)
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Graduate Assistant, North Carolina (2006)
Fit with the Bears
Chicago has been widening their pipeline of candidates for the head coaching position, but they are really focusing on coaches with head coaching experience and who know how to run a team. This could be both a good and bad thing, especially since these former head coaches were fired by another team for a reason. That’s the case for Smith, who served as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2021-23, going 21-30 with three straight 7-10 seasons, leading to his firing. Smith also certainly seems to fit the “leader of men” mold the Bears are looking for to rewrite a struggling locker room culture.
But Smith also fits that offensive-minded category as one of the focal points is a development plan for quarterback Caleb Williams, who is coming off an encouraging rookie season despite going through two head coaches and three coordinators offensive. Looking at Smith’s track record, he helped reinvent Ryan Tannehill at Tennessee, which included a Pro Bowl year in 2019 (where he completed 70.3% of his passes with 22 touchdowns and six interceptions) and throws for a career-best 3,819 yards with 33 touchdowns. and seven interceptions in 2020.
But when Smith arrived at the Falcons, things took a turn for the worse. He had Matt Ryan for one season before having disappointing options in Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke before ultimately being let go. During his first year with the Steelers, Smith worked with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in what was a mediocre offense, including the 26th-ranked passing attack, the 12th-ranked rushing attack and the attack at 19th rank. While Smith has offensive experience, that doesn’t necessarily equate to the success the Bears are looking for.
They said it…
“Throughout our search and interview process, Arthur stood out among a very large and talented pool of candidates with an exceptional plan to return our organization to the level of competition our fans deserve and expect. He possesses all the characteristics of a strong leader and Although his accomplishments are primarily on the offensive side of the ball, he has provided a complete plan in all three phases of the game. With Arthur, I am very confident that our process and approach have us led to a dynamic leader our team and I believe. that our players, our staff, our fans and the community will be too.”
— Arthur M. Blank, Falcons owner and chairman on hiring Smith in 2021 (via AtlantaFalcons.com)
Conclusion
It’s no secret that the Bears interview candidates with former head coaching experience to avoid what happened with Matt Eberflus, who struggled with game management. But prior coaching experience does not equate to success, as is the case with Smith. But Chicago seems attracted to the type of “leader of the men” with coaching experience, so it’s no surprise that Smith is interested, especially considering the offensive background the team is looking for to help develop Williams.
But that said, Smith’s interview seems like a formality when it comes to interviewing a candidate who has been a head coach. In three years in Atlanta, Smith had three straight 7–10 seasons with a struggling offense that ultimately led to his firing. Hiring Smith would mean settling for mediocrity, which would essentially be a retread of the Eberflus era, but this time with a decent offensive background. There are simply better fits with promising offensive minds who have the potential to get the most out of Williams and this entire team. And following the Steelers’ loss to the Ravens, Chicago should do themselves a favor and cancel this interview.
This article was originally published on Bears Wire: Bears HC Candidate Profile: Should They Avoid Arthur Smith?
