It seems like this year there is far more anticipation and tension in the year NFL regarding hirings and firings than in years past.
Why Are Teams So Slow To Hire New Coaches In The 2024 Cycle?
One reason for this may be the new rule prohibiting teams from doing in-person interviews with currently employed coaches after the divisional round of the playoffs. Another may be that teams are thinking long and hard about their new possibilities at head coach – especially for the more attractive, lucrative openings, and wanting to take a little more time in order to make sure they get the absolute right person for the job.
Which Former Head Coach Is Receiving Serious Interest From Multiple Teams?
Despite being fired, it seems that many coaches are still held in a positive light in many corners of the National Football League. Brian Johnson, for example, who was recently stated to not be returning to the Philadelphia Eagles, took head coaching interviews at both the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans, before they announced the hiring of Brian Callahan on Monday evening.
And the same now apparently applies to former Falcons head coach, Arthur Smith, who will have his choice of the litter for offensive coordinator jobs in life after Atlanta, per report from Dianna Russini.
Former Falcons head coach Arthur Smith has received serious interest from more than 7 teams about joining their offensive staff as the offensive coordinator, per sources.
He will have options.— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 23, 2024
Which NFL Teams May Be Interested In Arthur Smith’s Services?
Currently, the teams with vacancies at offensive coordinator are the Chicago Bears, after firing Luke Getsy; the New Orleans Saints, who recently fired longtime stalwart OC, Pete Carmichael; the Las Vegas Raiders; Carolina Panthers; Pittsburgh Steelers and, perhaps most attractively, the Jalen Hurts-led Philadelphia Eagles.
Outside of the Eagles, which would make the most sense for Smith, as he would likely be able to keep his role as offensive play caller – like Shane Steichen and Brian Johnson did in Philadelphia under head coach Nick Sirriani – and join a winning franchise which already has most of the pieces on offense to go and win. In particular, the one thing Smith was missing in Atlanta, a franchise quarterback.
Other attractive destinations include the well-run Pittsburgh Steelers, where Smith would be able to take full charge of the offense, although there may well be concerns about the long term future of current quarterback, Kenny Pickett – and the Chicago Bears, who could well select highly regarded college quarterback and presumptive first overall pick, Caleb Williams, in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Regardless of where he goes, Arthur Smith does have a track record of strong, successful offensive play even with mediocre quarterbacks, like Ryan Tannehill, and I personally believe he will be a great hire for any of these teams.
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