Arthur Smith: Fired | Offense Rankings | Father | Career | Wife – Complete Biography & Analysis

Arthur William Smith has been one of the most talked-about football coaches over the past few years. From climbing the NFL coaching ladder to being fired as an NFL head coach, and now securing a major offensive role in college football, his journey weaves together professional challenges, family ties to business royalty, and a personal life grounded in family values. In this article, we break down each phase in detail.

Early Life and Background

Arthur Smith was born on May 27, 1982, in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up immersed in football and family influence — but not just any family. His father, Frederick W. Smith, is the billionaire founder of FedEx, one of the world’s largest logistics companies.

Raised in a large family with nine siblings, Arthur had both the privilege of resources and the expectation to carve his own professional path. Despite the family’s wealth and influence, he made a conscious effort to build his coaching credentials from the ground up.

College Playing Days

Arthur’s football journey began on the field at Georgetown Preparatory School before he played collegiately at the University of North Carolina. As an offensive guard for the Tar Heels, Smith learned the intricacies of offensive football — knowledge that would later shape his coaching philosophy.

During his time in college, he also battled injuries, including a foot problem that sidelined him for parts of his playing career. These setbacks instilled resilience, a trait that would become vital in his coaching life.

Coaching Career: From Quality Control to Head Coach

First Steps in Coaching

Smith’s coaching career began modestly in 2006 as a graduate assistant at North Carolina, before landing an entry-level position with the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) as a defensive quality control coach in 2007. This early role was significant — it served as Smith’s first taste of NFL operations.

He then had a brief stint as a defensive intern at Ole Miss, broadening his coaching experience before transitioning to the Tennessee Titans in 2011.

Rise with the Tennessee Titans

Arthur Smith’s tenure with the Titans is widely regarded as the most formative in his coaching career. Starting again as a defensive quality control coach, he quickly moved into offensive roles as:

• Offensive Quality Control Coach (2012)

• Assistant Offensive Line and Tight Ends Coach (2013–2015)

• Tight Ends Coach (2016–2018)

In 2019, Smith was promoted to Offensive Coordinator, and this is where he made his mark. Smith helped orchestrate one of the NFL’s most fearsome rushing attacks, led by star running back Derrick Henry and a resurgent Ryan Tannehill quarterback. The Titans’ offense ranked top-five in total yards and scoring in 2020 under his leadership, finishing with a powerful balance of run and pass that few teams could stop.

This success thrust him into the head coaching conversation league-wide.

Atlanta Falcons Head Coaching Era

Hiring & Expectations

In January 2021, the Atlanta Falcons hired Arthur Smith as their head coach. The expectation was that Smith’s offensive pedigree would ignite a struggling Falcons franchise and bring them back into playoff contention.

Offense Rankings Under Smith

However, the results in Atlanta were inconsistent:

• 2021: Falcons offense finished 29th in total yards and struggled to find rhythm.

• 2022: Offensive rankings improved but remained middling.

• 2023: The Falcons offense peaked at about 17th in total offense with 334.3 yards per game — a respectable mark, but not elite.

Despite incremental improvements, critics often pointed to underutilization of top talent such as tight end Kyle Pitts, wide receiver Drake London, and running back Bijan Robinson — a narrative fueled by fan frustration over game design and play calling. Fan forums were rife with debate, with many claiming offensive strategy missteps kept Atlanta from winning more games.

Firing: The End of Tenure

After three seasons (2021–2023) and three identical 7-10 records, the Falcons fired Arthur Smith on January 8, 2024. The franchise had not made the playoffs under his leadership, and the lack of postseason success was a key factor in the decision.

Owner Arthur Blank and the Falcons leadership publicly thanked Smith for his work but made it clear the team needed a new direction.

Rebounding with the Pittsburgh Steelers

Instead of disappearing from the coaching landscape, Smith quickly bounced back. Shortly after being fired by Atlanta, he was hired as the Offensive Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers in February 2024.

Steelers Offensive Performance

In Pittsburgh, Smith’s offenses posted middle-of-the-league rankings:

• 2024: Around 16th in points per game and mid-tier in total offense.

• 2025: Roughly 15th in scoring and 25th in total yards, showing some growth but again not elite production.

The Steelers showed flashes of success and even secured playoff berths, though the offense in key games struggled to consistently threaten top defenses.

Ohio State Offensive Coordinator Role (2026)

In a somewhat surprising move, Arthur Smith left the Steelers in January 2026 to join Ohio State University as the offensive coordinator for the Buckeyes — moving from the NFL back to college football. This transition marks a major shift and presents both opportunity and challenge for a coach whose background has been predominantly professional.

At Ohio State, Smith will work under head coach Ryan Day and lead an offense loaded with talent, bringing NFL plays and schemes to the collegiate level.

Family Legacy: Father Frederick W. Smith

Arthur Smith’s father, Frederick W. Smith, is a towering figure in American business. As the founder of FedEx, Fred Smith revolutionized overnight shipping and built one of the nation’s largest logistics companies. His innovations helped change global commerce forever.

Fred Smith passed away in June 2025, leaving behind an estimated multibillion-dollar legacy and a massive influence on both business and family.

While Arthur has sometimes faced criticism for his family’s prominence — with some fans calling him a “nepotism baby” — many analysts and supporters argue that his coaching ascent has been earned through hard work and perseverance rather than pure privilege.

Personal Life: Wife & Children

Arthur Smith is married to Allison (sometimes spelled Alison) Smith, and the couple has three children — two sons and one daughter — named Tanner, Liam, and Sophie. They have largely kept family life private, avoiding the spotlight despite Arthur’s high-profile coaching jobs.

Allison supports Arthur in his coaching journey, often staying out of headlines but ensuring stable family life amid the demands of the NFL and now college football schedule.

Coaching Philosophy & Style

Smith is known for a balanced offensive philosophy that leans on power running, play-action, and structure, especially in short-to-medium passing games. His best statistical seasons came with a strong ground attack — notably with Derrick Henry in Tennessee.

Critics argue his reliance on traditional power football can limit explosive playmaking, while supporters say consistency and structure help teams avoid predictable mistakes. This blend will be put to the test at Ohio State.

Arthur Smith’s Legacy: Ups, Downs & Future Prospects

Arthur Smith’s coaching narrative is one of resilience:

• Built a top-tier offense with the Tennessee Titans.
• Became an NFL head coach.
• Struggled with offense rankings in Atlanta.
• Rebounded quickly as a coordinator in Pittsburgh.
• Transitioned to a major college role at Ohio State.

If Smith can blend NFL-style concepts with the speed and creativity of college football, his Ohio State tenure could redefine his legacy.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Why was Arthur Smith fired from the Atlanta Falcons?
Arthur Smith was fired after three consecutive 7-10 seasons and failing to reach the playoffs, with the Falcons offense never breaking into elite rankings under his leadership.

2. How did Arthur Smith’s offenses rank in the NFL?
While Smith orchestrated a top-five offense with the Titans in 2020, his Falcons offenses hovered from the bottom half to mid-league before his firing.

3. Who is Arthur Smith’s father?
His father is Frederick W. Smith, founder of FedEx and a major business figure.

4. Is Arthur Smith married?
Yes. He is married to Allison (Alison) Smith, and they have three children.

5. What is Arthur Smith’s current coaching role?
As of January 2026, he is the offensive coordinator at Ohio State University.