Lions Pursuing Sought-After Coach as Next Offensive Coordinator: Report

Getty

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions have requested to interview Arthur Smith for their offensive coordinator opening.

The Detroit Lions have previously been linked to former NFL head coaches such as Kevin Stefanski and Mike McDaniel for their offensive coordinator opening. Add another ex-head coach to the mix — Arthur Smith.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Thursday the Lions have requested to interview Smith for their offensive coordinator opening. The request comes as Smith is also receiving interviews for head coaching opportunities.

“Smith is still in the mix for multiple HC job and has significant coordinator interest,” wrote Rapoport on X.

Smith served as Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator the past two seasons. Before that, he was the Atlanta Falcons head coach from 2021-23.

As a head coach, Smith posted a 21-30 record.

Smith has 17 years of NFL coaching experience. He was also an offensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans from 2019-20.

The Lions have an opening at offensive coordinator for the second consecutive year. The team fired OC John Morton after the conclusion of the 2025 regular season.

Lions to Interview Arthur Smith for OC Opening: Report

Smith doesn’t have the same creative reputation as Ben Johnson, who experienced tremendous success as Lions offensive coordinator from 2021-24. Johnson also had great success as Chicago Bears head coach in his first year during 2025.

But Smith could be a match for Detroit’s offensive coordinator opening. Smith’s offenses typically run the ball a lot and use play-action pass.

The coach has called offensive plays each of the past seven seasons. In five of those campaigns, his offenses were ranked in the top 10 in rushing attempts and top 11 in rushing yards.

During 2020 with the Titans, Smith’s offense finished second in yards and fourth in points. He had Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill at running back and quarterback, respectively.

While Henry’s generational talent could explain Smith’s success as a play-caller in 2019 and 2020, he would have that type of talent again with Jahmyr Gibbs in Detroit.