**Arthur Smith Eyes Return to North Carolina Coaching Role**

Arthur Smith, former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and current offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is reportedly considering a return to collegiate coaching, igniting discussions about a possible homecoming at the University of North Carolina. Speculation about Smith's interest in the soon-to-be vacant Tar Heels head coaching position has intensified following a report from FootballScoop's John Brice.

According to Brice, sources have indicated that Smith, who has spent 15 years in the NFL, is intrigued by the prospect of returning to the college football ranks. Smith, an alum of North Carolina where he played offensive line, started his coaching career as a graduate assistant with the Tar Heels in 2006 before moving to the NFL with the Washington Redskins in a quality control role. After a brief return to college coaching with Ole Miss in 2010, Smith joined the Tennessee Titans in 2011, ultimately rising to the position of offensive coordinator by 2019.

Despite his promising coaching career, Smith's head coach stint with the Falcons fell short of expectations, ending with consecutive 7-10 seasons and his dismissal after the 2023 campaign. Recently hired by the Steelers, Smith has guided Pittsburgh's offense to the 14th-ranked scoring position this season, although the team has faced challenges in the red zone, ranking 30th in efficiency.

While FootballScoop did not confirm North Carolina's interest in hiring Smith, his name emerges among several potential candidates as the Tar Heels prepare to replace Mack Brown. Brown, who was hired in 2019, has overseen a disappointing 6-5 season marred by a four-game losing streak starting in September.

Smith's potential return to Chapel Hill would mark a significant shift for the Steelers, necessitating their third offensive coordinator appointment in as many years. The team previously had to reshuffle its coaching staff when they fired Matt Canada and appointed running backs coach Eddie Faulkner as interim coordinator, with quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan taking over play-calling duties.

Smith is expected to address the media tomorrow, potentially shedding more light on his future coaching aspirations and whether a return to North Carolina is on the horizon.