In Monday’s “First Call,” a new candidate emerges for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ open offensive coordinator position, while a previous target is no longer in contention. Additionally, the Steelers are showing interest in a wide receiver draft prospect. On the local sports scene, the Duquesne women’s basketball team experienced an eventful win on Sunday, and the Robert Morris hockey team secured a commendable road victory over the weekend.
Asking about Arthur
Former Atlanta Falcons coach Arthur Smith has undergone an interview for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator position, as officially announced by the team on Sunday.
Smith was 7-10 all three years he was with the Falcons from 2021-23. Prior to that, he was the offensive coordinator in Tennessee.
In 2019, with Smith at the helm, the Titans offense finished 10th in the NFL in points per game. With Derrick Henry carrying the load, Tennessee wound up with 138.9 rushing yards per game, third best in the NFL.
Only Baltimore had a better rushing attack in 2020, as the Titans put up 168.1 yards per contest. The club was fourth in points at 30.7. Henry had 3,567 yards rushing over those two seasons. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill had a passer rating of 110 over those two years and was 18-8.
So yinz can see where the Steelers would be going with this if Smith is the hire, right? Heavy personnel. Lean on Najee Harris with Jaylen Warren sprinkled in. Get Kenny Pickett booting and throwing on the move.
Good ol’ fashioned AFC North, Stiller football n’at!
It certainly would not be groundbreaking, but playing toward the roster construction they currently have.
Which, especially from the quarterback end of things, leads one to ask, do you really want to cater to a QB whose skills are limited to the point that you are hiring a coordinator whose best attribute is an ability to minimize the exposure of a marginal quarterback?
That’s as opposed to finding a coordinator whose best attribute is to get the most out of a quarterback. Such as, basically, anyone who has worked in San Francisco (like Klint Kubiak) over the past few years with Brock Purdy.
Off the board
It seems that another candidate the Steelers had expressed interest in interviewing for the offensive coordinator position is now off the table. Multiple reports indicate that Zac Robinson is set to become the offensive coordinator on Raheem Morris’ staff in Atlanta. Morris assumed the coaching role after Arthur Smith was dismissed.
Albert Breer of Monday Morning Quarterback mentioned in a social media post that Robinson has secured a three-year contract for this position. Robinson, previously the passing game coordinator with the Los Angeles Rams on Sean McVay’s staff, was reportedly someone the Steelers were looking to interview in person but were unable to do so.
One to remember
The Pittsburgh Steelers, in need of additional depth at wide receiver, are exploring the potential of Joshua Cephus. The former University of Texas, San Antonio player has reportedly met with the Steelers twice, first at the Hula Bowl and then again at the Shrine Bowl, according to information from his agent.
During his five-year tenure with the Roadrunners, Cephus accumulated impressive stats, boasting 313 receptions, 3,365 yards, and 28 touchdowns. His track record suggests he could be a valuable addition to the Steelers’ wide receiver corps.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 185 pounds, Joshua Cephus brings both height and size to the wide receiver position. In the 2023 season, he showcased his impressive skills by catching 89 passes for 1,151 yards and scoring 10 touchdowns. These numbers placed him among the top receivers in the American Conference.
Cephus’s standout performance was recognized when he was named the MVP of the Frisco Bowl. In this game against Marshall, he delivered a noteworthy performance with seven catches for 102 yards. His contributions in critical moments earned him recognition and further solidified his potential impact as a wide receiver.