As the Detroit Lions continue their search for a new offensive coordinator, one familiar name has surfaced: Arthur Smith. The current Pittsburgh Steelers OC and former Atlanta Falcons head coach has a long track record of building productive, physical offenses, and his potential fit in Detroit is an intriguing one. Here’s a breakdown of the biggest pros and cons if the Lions were to bring Smith aboard.
Pros
1. Tight End Usage Would Explode
This might be the biggest selling point. Arthur Smith has a long history of featuring tight ends heavily in his offenses. In Tennessee, he helped turn Delanie Walker and later Jonnu Smith into matchup nightmares. In Atlanta, Kyle Pitts was used as a centerpiece, even if quarterback play limited his production.
For Detroit, this could be huge.
- Sam LaPorta is already one of the most dangerous tight ends in the NFL, and Smith’s scheme thrives on using TEs in motion, in the slot, and on play-action seams.
- Brock Wright would also benefit as a red-zone and play-action target.
Smith’s system is built to stress linebackers and safeties, exactly what LaPorta does best.
2. Elite Run-Game Designer
Smith’s offenses are built on physicality. He coordinated Derrick Henry’s dominance in Tennessee and later built Atlanta around Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. Pairing that philosophy with Detroit’s elite offensive line and a Jahmyr Gibbs–David Montgomery (if Monty stays) backfield could be terrifying.
Play-action, misdirection, heavy sets, and downhill runs are all staples of Smith’s playbook — a natural fit with Dan Campbell’s identity.
3. Proven NFL Play-Caller
Smith has called plays for top-10 scoring offenses and helped develop quarterbacks like Ryan Tannehill into Pro Bowl-level performers. His experience running full offenses, not just position groups, gives him credibility and structure.
Cons
1. Creativity vs. Explosiveness
While Smith’s offenses are efficient and physical, they’re not always the most aggressive vertically. Detroit fans have grown accustomed to creativity, spacing concepts, and explosive pass designs. Smith’s system is more methodical and run-centric, which could slightly limit the fireworks.
2. Mixed Results as a Head Coach
Smith went 7–10 in three straight seasons in Atlanta and struggled to maximize elite talent at times. Some questioned his usage of Kyle Pitts and Drake London, even if quarterback limitations played a major role.
3. Lateral-Move Complications
Because Smith is currently the Steelers’ OC, Pittsburgh would have to grant permission for an interview. While reports suggest they may allow it, it still adds a layer of uncertainty.
Bottom Line
Arthur Smith would bring toughness, structure, and elite run-game design to Detroit, and his system could take the Lions’ tight end room, led by Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright, to another level. The fit with Detroit’s offensive line and physical identity makes a lot of sense, even if it sacrifices some of the wide-open creativity fans saw under Ben Johnson.
If the Lions want to double down on bully-ball football while still maximizing their star tight end, Arthur Smith is a very real, very intriguing option.
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