Raiders news: Is Arthur Smith, the OC, worth interviewing in Las Vegas?
Should the Las Vegas Raiders give Arthur Smith a call now that there are less and fewer viable options for offensive coordinators?
In order to strengthen their coaching staff for the next campaign, the Las Vegas Raiders have been busy hiring reliable assistants from throughout the NFL. They still have a huge void at offensive coordinator, though, which is concerning given Antonio Pierce will be the team’s head coach going forward.
Following a fantastic 2023 season on that side of the ball, Patrick Graham is expected to rejoin the Raiders as their defensive coordinator. Where do the Raiders go from here? Bo Hardegree filled in as interim head coach last season when Mick Lombardi was dismissed. However, he won’t be returning in 2024.
Well-known players are already seeking new homes; Kellen Moore, for example, is leaving the Los Angeles Chargers to take a position in Philadelphia as offensive coordinator. Furthermore, Raheem Morris made a significant hire with the Atlanta Falcons in order to capitalise on his second term as an NFL head coach: Zac Robinson.
Although the Raiders are running out of time and potential prospects, is the offensive coordinator Morris replaced in Atlanta a viable choice for 2024?
Many people believe that Arthur Smith has a great intellect when it comes to the offensive side of the ball. He was fired by the Falcons and is currently hunting for work. The Raiders would be wise to at least invite him in for an interview as he has already conducted interviews with the Pittsburgh Steelers on their open offensive coordinator position.
During his tenure in Tennessee, Smith advanced through the coaching ranks, holding positions as offensive and defensive quality control, assistant tight end coach, tight end coach, and, in 2019 and 2020, offensive coordinator. Because of his efforts there, he was hired as Atlanta’s head coach. Although he didn’t thrive there, he has strong expertise as an offensive coordinator.
The Raiders need to make this job right, and they have already interviewed a number of candidates, including Luke Getsy and Kliff Kingsbury. While we wait for Klint Kubiak’s availability following the Super Bowl, the Raiders should absolutely keep an eye on Smith. They are also considering the San Francisco quarterback.
