NFL OC confirms interest in UNC job

North Carolina has decided to fire legendary head coach Mack Brown after 6 seasons at the helm during his second tenure in Chapel Hill. Following this decision, the Tar Heels have already started looking for their new HC.

One name that would be considered is Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Smith acknowledged having a call with the school, but stressed that he was “personally and professionally happy in Pittsburgh.”

Steelers CO Arthur Smith said he had a preliminary call with UNC about the head coach opening, but that’s part of the wide net cast in coaching searches. He emphasized that he was happy personally and professionally in Pittsburgh.

-Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) November 28, 2024

Arthur Smith confirms UNC’s initial interest in chief position. He graduated from UNC and attracted interest in this head coaching search.

– Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) November 28, 2024

Smith graduated from North Carolina and made his coaching debut at the school in 2006 as a graduate assistant. The coach also coached at Ole Miss before joining the NFL and working for the Tennessee Titans for 10 seasons.

The coach parlayed his successful tenure as the Titans’ offensive coordinator into serving as HC for the Atlanta Falcons. Smith spent 3 seasons in Atlanta before joining the Steelers this offseason as OC.

Brown went 44-32 in his final tenure with the Tar Heels. The team has played in a bowl game every season and earned eligibility again in 2024. However, this season had some notable moments, such as allowing James Madison to score 70 points.