Jets interview Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for their head coach vacancy

By Canadian Press on January 16, 2025.

The New York Jets interviewed Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for their head coach position Thursday.

Smith, who was the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach from 2021-23, was the 11th known coaching candidate to speak with the Jets.

New York has also interviewed Aaron Glenn, Vance Joseph, Mike Locksley, Matt Nagy, Ron Rivera, Darren Rizzi, Rex Ryan, Steve Spagnuolo, Jeff Ulbrich and Mike Vrabel for the job. Vrabel has since been hired by New England as its coach.

Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley are also expected to meet with the Jets in the next few days.

The 42-year-old Smith was considered one of the Jets’ top candidates in 2021 when he interviewed with the team before New York hired Robert Saleh. Smith was hired by the Falcons the next day and went 21-30, with three straight 7-10 finishes, before being fired after the 2023 season.

Mike Tomlin hired Smith last offseason to run the Steelers’ offense, which improved in several categories this season with Russell Wilson at quarterback as Pittsburgh made the playoffs.

Smith spent 10 years with Tennessee, including the last two as the Titans’ offensive coordinator in 2019 and 2020. He previously had a stint with Washington as its defensive quality control coach in between college stops at North Carolina (2006) and Mississippi (2010).

The Jets are also conducting an extensive search for a new general manager. They have interviewed 15 candidates for that position, including Green Bay Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan and Miami Dolphins assistant general manager Brian Gaine on Tuesday.

___

AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL

Dennis Waszak Jr., The Associated Press