Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is a candidate the New York Jets head coaching job, several national outlets reported Monday, and the Jets formally requested an interview with Smith.
The Chicago Bears also requested to interview Smith for their head coaching gig, according to ESPN.
Smith, 42, was hired by the Steelers 11 months ago after he was fired as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta went 7-10 each of the three seasons Smith was its coach.
Smith also was interviewed by the Jets in 2021 before he was hired by the Falcons and before the Jets hired Robert Saleh.
Saleh was fired by New York on Oct. 8.
The Steelers are preparing to open the postseason with a wild-card round game Saturday night at the Baltimore Ravens. NFL rules do not allow interviews with coaches on playoff teams until after the wild-card round ends.
The Steelers finished 23rd in the NFL in total offense (319.4 yards per game) and 16th in scoring offense (22.4). Known for his skill in designing run-based schemes, Smith guided the Steelers to 11th in rushing yards per game (127.4), but they ranked among the bottom third of the league in yards per carry (4.1).
Smith replaced interim coordinator Eddie Faulkner, who took over late last season after the firing of Matt Canada.
Smith is among at least a dozen candidates the Jets reportedly plan to interview.
Under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, New York completed its season Sunday with a 5-12 record.
The Bears and Jets also reportedly are interested in former Steelers defensive assistant Brian Flores, who is the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive coordinator.
Chicago went 5-12 this season under Matt Eberflus (fired in November) and interim head coach Thomas Brown.
