The Steelers just started to look like a team gearing up for a Super Bowl run. But wait. Rumors and gossip surrounding their offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith could derail their ambitions. Based on the latest buzz swirling around Pittsburgh, Smith could be heading to college football next season. With reports connecting him to the job at his alma mater, University of North Carolina. But hold on, the Athletic’s insider, Dianna Russini, might have revealed an interesting angle on Smith’s future in Pittsburgh.

Look away, Steelers Nation, because this news isn’t positive for you lot. As per Russini, she expects Smith to stay within the NFL instead of heading down the route of college football. She believes it’s his adaptability with any offense that can play a key role in landing a coaching job away from the Steelers, “Smith’s adaptability is another key strength. He’s shown he can tailor his offense to fit the personnel he has. I expect Smith’s name to come back up during the head-coach hiring cycle in January.”

Although teams in the NFL could definitely entice Smith by offering their head coach position, his previous record in Atlanta could thwart some away. Before becoming the offensive coordinator at Pittsburgh, Smith spent three seasons coaching the Falcons. And in each of those seasons, he finished with a dismal record of 7-10. However, it remains to be seen whether any NFL executives are ready to trust Smith after his Falcons tenure.

He did express his love for UNC, where he started his coaching career as a graduate assistant in 2006, “I appreciate it, love that place. But that’s not my focus. I mean I’ve got one of the best jobs in football right now. There’s a lot to be said too about how you can’t put a price on personal and professional happiness, which I have here.” Although Smith has definitely turned around the Steelers’ offense, which ranked among one of the worst in the NFL under Matt Canada. If you take a close look at them, it’s not all smooth sailing as it seems.

Arthur Smith’s biggest flaw revealed amid rumors of leaving the Steelers

It took the Steelers’ embarrassing loss to the Browns 24-19 to finally raise some questions about Arthur Smith’s offense. The team that scored more than 20 points in the first eight weeks failed to maintain that momentum. They have now gone without eclipsing that margin in their last two weeks. And their red zone struggles are growing deeper every week. Under the Steelers have only managed to score TDs on their 44.4% red zone trips. Just look at their last two games. Against the Ravens, the Steelers had to rely upon 6 field goals by Chris Boswell to win 18-16.

And the following week, those struggles continued under Russell Wilson, who now has 1 TD over two weeks. Arthur’s lack of utilization of play-makers more on the offense is also turning out to be a major factor behind such a slump. Their receiver, Mike Williams, whom they just traded from the Jets, is yet to be targeted for the last two games. Even TE Pat Freiermuth is averaging just four catches this year. The Browns serve as the glaring example of Pat’s struggles this season. He only had four receptions for 59 yards in snow-capped Cleveland. And you know what? Those 59 yards were the highest he had in a game this season.

Apart from their end zone struggles, the Steelers’ running game ranks eighth in the league. They average just 135.2 rushing yards per game, thereby showcasing the gaps they still have on the offense. So, it remains to be seen whether any team would like to hand over their keys to Arthur Smith next season. And it could also depend upon the Steelers’ performances by the end of this campaign.