As the NFL unveiled this season’s schedule in May with its usual flair, Arthur Smith took a light-hearted view of his team’s fixtures.

After being let go as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Smith is set to return to Atlanta this Sunday, making his debut as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Revenge games, after all, can be refreshing.

The Steelers kick off their season with Smith’s return to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, followed by a matchup in Week 2 for his new quarterback, Russell Wilson, in Denver.

“I couldn’t help but laugh,” Smith shared with YSL News Sports after a training practice in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. “I kind of expected them to put us in Atlanta and Denver. The NFL runs like the best reality show out there.”

“At some point, you have to play the games. The league knows how to make a schedule,” he added.

While computers play a role in preparing the schedule, it’s clear that human input is essential.

“Whoever inputs the data into those algorithms also plays a part in it,” Smith remarked. “Isn’t it funny how that works?”

After three consecutive seasons of 7-10 records led Falcons owner Arthur Blank to dismiss him, Smith found himself in a potentially ideal role with the Steelers. Following the midseason firing of offensive coordinator Matt Canada in 2023, the Steelers aim to adopt a more physical style of football, which aligns with Smith’s coaching philosophy.

Moreover, Smith’s previous connections hint that he fits well with Mike Tomlin’s coaching staff. Throughout his decade-long rise with the Tennessee Titans, he worked alongside several former Steelers players and coaches.

Smith’s first mentor at the Titans was Mike Munchak, who previously coached Pittsburgh’s offensive line. He also worked with Ken Whisenhunt, a former coordinator for the Steelers, and Mike Mularkey, a former tight end and offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh. Additionally, Mike Vrabel, a Steelers linebacker in his early NFL days, gave Smith his chance to coordinate the Titans’ offense in 2019. Smith also crossed paths with Deshea Townsend, who won two Super Bowls as a Steelers cornerback, while he was with the Titans.

“I’ve had too many great mentors,” Smith stated. “I dislike name-dropping, but I’ve learned from many who have played or coached in Pittsburgh, and they all rave about this organization.”

“If you understand the history of the NFL, this is a historic franchise,” he continued. “I’ve gotten to know Mike (Tomlin) over the years, and when he called, I thought, ‘Absolutely. This is where I want to be.’”

Smith becomes the fifth full-time offensive coordinator during Tomlin’s 18-year tenure. The Steelers, aiming to improve after last season’s offensive struggles which included the development challenges of rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett, hope Smith will replicate his success with the Titans offense in 2020. That season, Tennessee ranked second in the league in yardage and fourth in scoring, which helped Smith earn his position with the Falcons.

Smith had a clear strategy at the Titans, leveraging the powerful running of Derrick Henry. The Titans achieved powerful rushing stats, with Henry accumulating 2,027 yards in 2020.

In his first year with Atlanta, Smith shifted focus to Matt Ryan’s passing ability, which led to the Falcons being ranked 31st in rushing for 2021. However, he reverted to emphasizing a strong running game the following year, resulting in Atlanta ranking third.

“Our rushing statistics were impressive, but the methods we employed (in 2022) varied significantly from Tennessee,” Smith noted, aware of his focus on zone-read tactics. “It’s all about instilling a physical style but without overdoing it to the point where it’s just minimal yardage repeatedly. That idea sometimes gets overlooked.”

Nevertheless, for Smith’s lineup in Pittsburgh to succeed, a strong running game featuring Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and dynamic player Cordarrelle Patterson is essential. This foundational strategy aligns with Wilson’s appreciation for play-action passes that would be effective following a solid running game.

“Arthur Smith and I share a similar vision regarding our playing style and strategy,” Wilson stated, excited to rejuvenate his career after encountering difficulties with two coaches in Denver. “Our relationship is key. The connection we have is exceptional, and I’m eager to get out on the field and showcase my skills.”

Patterson also has high praise for Smith. Despite primarily being known as a kickoff return specialist, Patterson has shown his offensive potential over his 11-year NFL career. In 2021 and ’22, Smith effectively utilized Patterson as a versatile threat, integrating him into the running back rotation as well as in various offensive roles.

Such a comprehensive approach Patterson’s role in an offense that features promising receiver George Pickens and dependable tight end Pat Freiermuth is a significant reason he decided to join Smith in Pittsburgh.

Patterson is among those who are looking closely at the Week 1 matchup.

“It’s wild how things aligned,” Patterson shared with YSL News Sports. “People often say the NFL is scripted, but it is what it is. I have no control over the schedule.”

Last season, Smith, 42, faced considerable criticism for failing to deliver a consistently strong offense, even with top talents like Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson on the team. The primary concern, however, stemmed from quarterback performance. Smith mostly relied on young quarterback Desmond Ridder, a third-round selection in 2022, who had issues with turnovers.

“Whenever you reflect on your actions, it’s always, ‘If I had known then, what would I have changed?’” Smith noted. “You just have to evaluate yourself. Don’t point fingers. Appreciate the opportunity you had. That’s my perspective. We brought in amazing people and formed great friendships. It didn’t unfold as hoped, but a new opportunity emerged.”

This new opportunity includes Wilson, a former Super Bowl-winning quarterback who is also keen on moving past the challenges faced in his prior tenure. In the background stands Justin Fields, the promising young quarterback, who might encourage Smith and Tomlin to explore new strategies with special plays as alternatives or potentially more.

Additionally, there’s a new layer of pressure. Although Tomlin has impressively avoided a losing season as the Steelers’ coach, the team hasn’t secured a playoff victory since the 2016 season.

In the best scenario for Smith, finding success in Pittsburgh could lead to another head coaching opportunity. But for now, he views his partnership with Tomlin as a crucial chance for growth.

“Mike is a decade older than me,” Smith mentioned. “I can learn a lot from him and recharge.”

His perspective has significantly shifted since briefly playing Tomlin’s role in Atlanta.

“I view things in a completely different light now,” he said. “I have much more empathy for the decisions he must make. You gain wisdom. My viewpoint has changed entirely. You get back to the fundamentals. Rediscovering that joy is fantastic. I’m enjoying coaching more. Taking a step back to reset is refreshing.”

Smith played down the idea of carrying any personal grudges into his upcoming Atlanta trip.

“This isn’t about me,” he asserted. “I’ll be glad to see the players I know. I helped bring many of them in. But life moves on. They’re under a new coaching staff with different strategies.”

Nonetheless, securing a win against the Falcons would likely hold special significance for Smith.

“It’s akin to going up against family,” Smith admitted. “It’s competitive, and you want to win. But I have many dear friends on the opposing side.”

This is why, without a doubt, the NFL made an excellent choice by scheduling the Steelers against Atlanta right from the start.