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North Carolina coaching search: NFL OC confirms interest in UNC job
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North Carolina decided to fire legendary head coach Mack Brown after 6 seasons at the helm in his 2nd tenure in Chapel Hill. Following that move, the Tar Heels have already begun a search for their new HC.
One name that is reportedly being considered is Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Smith acknowledged that he had a call with the school but emphasized that he’s “personally and professionally happy in Pittsburgh.”
Steelers OC Arthur Smith said he had a preliminary call with UNC about the head coach opening, but that’s part of the wide net that’s cast in coaching searches. He emphasized he’s personally and professionally happy in Pittsburgh.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) November 28, 2024
Arthur Smith confirms initial UNC interest in the head job. He’s a UNC grad and has drawn interest in that head coaching search. https://t.co/qXyqDc6q8D
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 28, 2024
Smith graduated from North Carolina and got his coaching start at the school in 2006 as a graduate assistant. The coach also coached at Ole Miss before heading to the NFL and working for the Tennessee Titans for 10 seasons.
The coach parlayed his successful tenure as the Titans offensive coordinator into the HC job for the Atlanta Falcons. Smith lasted 3 seasons in Atlanta before joining the Steelers this offseason as the OC.
Brown compiled a 44-32 during his latest tenure with the Tar Heels. The team made a bowl game every season and secured eligibility again in 2024. However, this season has had some notorious moments, like allowing James Madison to score 70 points.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
