The Tennessee Titans‘ offensive coordinator search is gaining momentum with multiple candidates emerging this week.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Friday that the Titans have spoken to Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator Arthur Smith about their vacant offensive coordinator position. Smith spent nine seasons in Tennessee, including his final two years as the team’s offensive coordinator.
Smith was on Tennessee’s staff from 2011-20.
The timing of Smith’s new connection with Tennessee comes as the Titans have also reportedly pursued Brian Daboll for the same role.
Daboll most recently served as head coach of the New York Giants from 2022-2025, but spent four years before that as the Buffalo Bills’ offensive coordinator.
Philip Rivers’ Surprise Interview Could Improve Brian Daboll’s Chances with Tennessee Titans
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and the Bills both reported Friday that future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Philip Rivers interviewed for Buffalo’s head coaching vacancy. That development could work in the Titans’ favor.
Rivers’ entrance into the Bills’ coaching search could potentially open the door for Daboll to land in Tennessee if Buffalo selects the former Chargers and Colts quarterback as their next head coach. More quality candidates for Buffalo creates a difficult decision for the Bills’ front office to make.
There are no known reports that Rivers conducted any other NFL head coaching interviews this offseason, making his meeting with Buffalo particularly noteworthy. ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported earlier this week that if Daboll does not land the Bills’ head coaching job, he is expected to wind up in Tennessee as the offensive coordinator.
Daboll interviewed for Tennessee’s head coaching position earlier this month, but the team ultimately decided on Robert Saleh. While it remains speculation at this point, league sources indicate Daboll appears to be the Titans’ preferred offensive coordinator candidate, despite talking with other candidates such as Smith.
Arthur Smith’s Best Seasons Came with Titans from 2019-20
The Titans’ interest in bringing back Smith makes sense when examining his track record with the franchise. According to Pro Football Reference, Smith’s best seasons as an offensive coordinator came during his tenure in Tennessee, when he had running back Derrick Henry, wide receiver AJ Brown, and a strong offensive line at his disposal.
In 2019, Smith’s first season as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator, the Titans ranked 12th in total yards and 10th in points scored. The following season in 2020, Tennessee improved dramatically under Smith’s direction, ranking in the top five in both total yards and points scored.
Those numbers were the peak of Smith’s coaching career from a statistical standpoint. The offense flourished with Henry establishing himself as one of the league’s most dominant running backs while Brown emerged as a top receiver.
Smith parlayed that success into a head coaching opportunity with the Atlanta Falcons, where he spent three seasons from 2021-23. However, his tenure in Atlanta was hampered by inconsistent quarterback play despite having solid skill position weapons.
Another Preferred Candidate Leaves Titans in Limbo
The Titans have been left in limbo throughout this offseason. Tennessee is Daboll’s backup plan while he pursues the Bills’ head coaching job, but that’s just the latest twist in what’s been a frustrating coaching search for the franchise.
The Titans literally gassed up the private jet for now-Giants’ head coach John Harbaugh, who was scheduled to meet with Tennessee after his New York interview. Harbaugh canceled in the middle of the night to take the Giants’ job instead.
Other candidates bolted too. Kevin Stefanski was set to meet with the Titans for a second interview before accepting Atlanta’s head coaching position. Jeff Hafley did the same before taking the Miami Dolphins’ job.
Saleh’s introductory press conference is set for next week, and maybe he’ll have the new Titans’ OC under contract by then.
Titans’ OC Search Heats Up with Arthur Smith and Brian Daboll