The Titans hired Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator, the team announced on Monday. Smith previously served as the team’s tight ends coach, but he’s getting a title and pay bump to run the team’s offensive attack.
“I am excited for Arthur and for our team to be able to elevate a deserving coach,” head coach Mike Vrabel said in a statement. “I was impressed throughout the season in game plan meetings with his ideas, in-game with his understanding of situations and the ability to get the most out of his position group. We spent a good bit of time last week talking about this opportunity. He has a great deal of familiarity with our players and the continuity of the offense will allow our players to continue to develop and improve.”
The Titans are certainly hoping that Smith can get the most out of their group – Smith will serve as the team’s fifth OC since Marcus Mariota was drafted in 2015. With that in mind, Smith’s promotion is a sign that they will give Mariota every chance to succeed as he goes into the final year of his rookie deal.
Matt LaFleur ran the Titans’ offense in 2018, but he left to become the new head coach of the Packers. LaFleur brought youth and energy to the role, but Smith offers more in the way of NFL experience. Before working under Vrabel, Smith served on staffs under Mike Mularkey, Ken Whisenhunt, and Mike Munchak.
When did Nic Cage get so husky?
I think the Bears hired about 5 OCs in an attempt to get Cutler to the next level then finally realized it wasn’t going to happen. Maybe it will work out differently for the Titans but I wouldn’t count on it.
I hope it doesn’t work out. He’s made of glass. Can hardly finish a season. We need to move on.
I should clarify. I hope Mariota improving doesn’t work out. Not that I enjoy seeing others fail I actually would love to see him successful. But I’m referring to knowing he is injury prone and hasn’t really developed. If it works out this season he will get a $100 mil contract and still probably throw 20 TDS and 15 picks while getting injured down the road. I would prefer the Titans move on.
I hope Arthur does.