The Detroit Lions’ search for a new offensive coordinator has brought a familiar name back into the spotlight.

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Lions have requested permission to interview Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith for their vacant OC position. Smith, who is also drawing interest for multiple head coaching openings around the league, now finds himself connected to Detroit once again, and this time, the storyline has a fascinating twist.

Smith Once Competed With Dan Campbell for the Same Job

Before Dan Campbell was hired as head coach in 2021, Smith was one of the top candidates the Lions seriously considered. At the time, he was coming off an impressive run as the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coordinator, where he helped build a dominant, run-first attack and played a major role in Derrick Henry’s rise to superstardom.

Smith reportedly interviewed with Detroit during that hiring cycle before the organization ultimately chose Campbell to lead the franchise. In fact, he actually landed a second interview with the Lions before he turned it down to become head coach of the Falcons. Now, five years later, Smith could be in a position to work under the man who once beat him out for the job.

A Proven Offensive Mind With Head Coaching Experience

Since that 2021 interview process, Smith’s résumé has only expanded:

• Tennessee Titans (2011–2020): Rose from defensive quality control to offensive coordinator, guiding one of the NFL’s most efficient offenses.
• Atlanta Falcons (2021–2023): Served as head coach, posting three straight 7–10 seasons while emphasizing a physical, run-heavy identity.
• Pittsburgh Steelers (2024–present): Returned to coordinator duties, once again building a scheme centered on strong rushing attacks and creative personnel usage.

Smith is widely known for tailoring his offense to his talent, maximizing elite running backs like Derrick Henry and Bijan Robinson, and using play-action and misdirection to create explosive opportunities.

Why He Makes Sense for the Lions’ OC Search

Detroit is already loaded with offensive talent, including Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Sam LaPorta. Pairing that group with a coordinator who has a long track record of designing efficient, physical, and adaptable offenses could be extremely appealing.

Just as intriguing is the dynamic: a former head coaching finalist in Detroit potentially returning to help execute the vision of the coach who ultimately won the job.

Whether this is a serious pursuit or simply due diligence, the Lions’ interest in a former head coach with deep offensive roots shows how aggressive and thorough their coordinator search has become.