The Los Angeles Chargers are moving with purpose as they work to reshape their offensive identity heading into the 2026 season. According to reporting from Ian Rapoport, the team has formally requested an interview with Pittsburgh Steelers Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. The move adds another compelling storyline to an already crowded and competitive coaching cycle.
Smith enters the offseason as one of the most sought‑after offensive minds in the league. While he is fielding interest for multiple coordinator roles, he is also drawing attention for head coaching vacancies. Even with that broader market forming around him, the Los Angeles Chargers have zeroed in on Smith as a leading candidate to help reestablish a clear, consistent direction for their offense.
A Competitive Market For Smith’s Services
This pursuit is far from straightforward for the Los Angeles Chargers. Smith’s name carries weight across the league, and several teams are making their own push to secure his services. Despite an uneven year in Pittsburgh, his reputation as a creative play‑caller and system builder remains intact.
Both the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals have reportedly requested interviews with Smith for their head coaching openings. The Titans’interest is especially notable given Smith’s earlier success in Tennessee, where he first gained national recognition for his work with Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry.
For the Chargers, the challenge is clear: they need to lay out a convincing vision—one that shows the appeal of coaching an elite quarterback and a roster built to win right away.
Examining the Los Angeles Chargers’ Candidate List
The decision to pursue Smith signals that the Los Angeles Chargers are prioritizing experience and proven leadership. Their search includes internal candidates such as Quarterbacks Coach Shane Day and Pass Game Coordinator Marcus Brady, both of whom have already completed interviews. But the external list shows just how ambitious the organization is willing to be.
Alongside Smith, the Chargers are reportedly evaluating former Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel and former Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll. This group reflects a front office intent on finding a seasoned strategist—someone capable of stepping in and commanding the offense from day one. Smith fits that profile, bringing a résumé that spans multiple organizations and offensive systems.
Breaking Down Smith’s Recent Track Record
To understand why the Los Angeles Chargers view Smith as a strong fit, it’s important to look at his recent work. His 2025 season with the Steelers was statistically underwhelming. Pittsburgh finished 25th in total offense, 22nd in passing, and 26th in rushing. The unit struggled to find consistency, but Smith’s broader body of work tells a different story.
Before his stint in Pittsburgh and his three seasons as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, Smith built one of the league’s most physical and efficient offenses in Tennessee. His ability to blend a dominant run game with an efficient passing attack helped revive Tannehill’s career and turned Henry into one of the most feared players in football.
That version of Smith, the one who creates balance, identity, and toughness, is the coach the Los Angeles Chargers hope to bring into their building. With a talented quarterback and a roster built for explosive playmaking, the Chargers believe Smith could help restore the offensive edge they’ve been searching for.
