[UPDATE] – Adam Schefter is reporting that all six teams with vacancies have either requested or plan to request permission to interview Arthur Smith.
Arthur Smith has done a fantastic job as the Titans offensive coordinator over the last two seasons. There was chatter this past offseason that Smith would be a hot name in head coaching circles if the Titans continued the success in 2020 that they showed in 2019 after Ryan Tannehill took over as the quarterback. They did. The Titans finished the season 4th in the NFL in points per game with 30.7.
So that means it is a “when” not “if” on Art becoming a head coach in the NFL. As of this writing two teams – the Jets and Lions – have already requested permission to interview Smith. That number will likely grow in the coming days. The other teams that currently have head coaching openings are the Atlanta Falcons, the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the Houston Texans. There is a chance the Los Angeles Chargers job could come open as well if they decide to move on from Anthony Lynn.
This is a rare season where none of the jobs that are open are terrible situations. The Lions, Falcons, and Texans have the pieces in place to be really good on their current roster. The Jaguars have the first pick and will most likely land Trevor Lawrence (although their owner, Shad Khan, has said he will retain control of the roster). The Jets have the second pick and will probably take Justin Fields. The same can be said for the Chargers if it comes open. No big losers in any of those spots.
As a Titans fan I really want Art to stay, but the reality is his time with the Titans is likely coming to an end. We will continue to update this thread as news comes out on the interviews that have already been requested and any news ones that emerge.
My biggest regret for this franchise within the last 5 or so years will be not having Art here with the offense firing on all cylinders with a half way competent defense. It will be a huge shame if he leaves for a HC job (which he deserves), and our defense held us back when he had finally unlocked our offensive potential. Such is the NFL
I’d rather keep Art and let Vrabel go. His offense is much better than Vrabels defense and zi doubt Art decided to go for it on 4th and 11.