The NFL coaching landscape has seen some drastic changes in recent weeks, with teams firing their general managers, head coaches, and other key personnel, such as offensive and defensive coordinators.
Among significant moves recently in the league were the Baltimore Ravens’ firing of John Harbaugh as head coach after 18 seasons and Mike Tomlin’s announcement that he was stepping down as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Ravens failed to make the postseason after Tomlin’s Steelers defeated them in the final game of the season, while Tomlin’s team suffered a disappointing first-round exit at the hands of the Houston Texans.
Meanwhile, other NFL teams are looking to make moves to address major needs for their coaching staffs. That includes the Detroit Lions, who didn’t reach the playoffs this season under head coach Dan Campbell.
Read more: Mike Tomlin Receives Steelers Tribute After Stepping Down as Head Coach
One of the glaring needs seems to be someone to run the offense better for Campbell’s staff. It’s well known within the NFL that Ben Johnson was Campbell’s offensive coordinator last season, but has now achieved success as the head coach of the Chicago Bears.
With that in mind, Detroit is interviewing candidates for its offensive coordinator job. NFL insider Ian Rapoport recently reported that the Lions “requested” to speak with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for their OC job.
According to Rapoport, Smith also has interest from other NFL teams in interviewing him for their head coach and offensive coordinator positions.
Smith has an extensive resume in the NFL, including coaching the Atlanta Falcons from 2012 to 2023 before joining Pittsburgh’s staff as OC in 2024.Â
He’s also served as an offensive quality control coach, offensive line coach, and offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, working with the team from 2011 through 2020.
Detroit finished with a 9-8 record, fourth in the NFC North, a disappointing result given their success the previous season. Many fans called attention to the Lions’ playcalling situation after Johnson’s departure, with Campbell taking over for OC John Morton at one point this past season.
At the time, Morton indicated he was “fully” supportive of that occurring in Detroit. However, the Lions fired Morton earlier this month as part of a significant move, and are now approaching the situation seriously, with Smith among those they have interest in.
Recent reports also pointed to the Lions’ interest in Mike McDaniel, who was fired as the Miami Dolphins head coach after four seasons.
Read more: Bears’ Ben Johnson Reveals Late-Season Issue to Fix for Rams Playoff Game
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