The Detroit Lions’ search for a new offensive coordinator may have hit an early speed bump.
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 just completed his first season in Pittsburgh after serving three years as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, is also drawing interest for potential head coaching jobs around the league.
However, as Nick Farabaugh of Steelers Now pointed out, there’s a key complication: Smith is still under contract with Pittsburgh for one more season. Because a move from Steelers OC to Lions OC would be considered a lateral move, the Steelers are not required to grant permission for the interview.
“Smith still has one year left on his deal so the Steelers still have to give other teams permission to interview him for OC jobs since it’s a ‘lateral move,’” Farabaugh wrote. “But from what I’ve heard, they will allow him to interview for those similar roles.”
That’s good news for Detroit, but it’s not a guarantee. While Pittsburgh could ultimately greenlight the interview, they technically hold all the leverage. The situation becomes different only if Smith is interviewing for a head coaching job, which would be considered a promotion and could not be blocked.
For now, the Lions are in a holding pattern, waiting to see if the Steelers officially open the door for Smith to speak with Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes as they continue their search for the next play-caller in Detroit.
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