Smith's not taking UNC head coaching job: 'I love being a Steeler'
GREG MACAFEE / DKPS
Arthur Smith during Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Arthur Smith's came up in the running for the soon-to-be vacant head coaching job at North Carolina. It makes sense since Smith went there and has previous experience as both a coordinator and head coach at the NFL level.
However, in his own way, Smith shut down the idea that he's actually considering taking that job:
"Obviously, that's my alma mater. It's not something I've thought about," Smith said Thursday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "Like a lot of these things go, and I know in today's media things can blow up out of control. But, the reality is they reached out on a preliminary call. I appreciate it and love that place, but that's not my focus. I've got one of the best jobs in football right now. There's a lot to be said, too, about you can't put a price on personal and professional happiness, which I have here. I love that place. I appreciate it. But, that's usually how that goes. People cast a wide net. Some narratives get out of control. You try to control it. One way, it's nice that somebody reaches out, sure. But, again, I've got an awesome job here. I love it here in Pittsburgh. Probably in a different mindset than I was four or five years ago where any head job I'd probably walk up there and take it. Now, my perspective is different. When you've got something good, like I've got here in Pittsburgh right now, my family loves it here. I like the work environment. I love being a Steeler."
Not exactly the "there isn't a booster with a big enough blank check" quote Mike Tomlin gave addressing USC rumors a few years ago. But, still a pretty clear answer that Smith is more than content with his current job.
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THE ASYLUM
Chris Halicke
1:52 pm - 11.28.2024South SideSmith's not taking UNC head coaching job: 'I love being a Steeler'
GREG MACAFEE / DKPS
Arthur Smith during Steelers practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
Arthur Smith's came up in the running for the soon-to-be vacant head coaching job at North Carolina. It makes sense since Smith went there and has previous experience as both a coordinator and head coach at the NFL level.
However, in his own way, Smith shut down the idea that he's actually considering taking that job:
"Obviously, that's my alma mater. It's not something I've thought about," Smith said Thursday at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. "Like a lot of these things go, and I know in today's media things can blow up out of control. But, the reality is they reached out on a preliminary call. I appreciate it and love that place, but that's not my focus. I've got one of the best jobs in football right now. There's a lot to be said, too, about you can't put a price on personal and professional happiness, which I have here. I love that place. I appreciate it. But, that's usually how that goes. People cast a wide net. Some narratives get out of control. You try to control it. One way, it's nice that somebody reaches out, sure. But, again, I've got an awesome job here. I love it here in Pittsburgh. Probably in a different mindset than I was four or five years ago where any head job I'd probably walk up there and take it. Now, my perspective is different. When you've got something good, like I've got here in Pittsburgh right now, my family loves it here. I like the work environment. I love being a Steeler."
Not exactly the "there isn't a booster with a big enough blank check" quote Mike Tomlin gave addressing USC rumors a few years ago. But, still a pretty clear answer that Smith is more than content with his current job.
Want to participate in our comments?
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Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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