Titans promote tight ends coach Smith to OC

The Tennessee Titans have promoted tight ends coach Arthur Smith to offensive coordinator, the team announced Monday. Smith joined the Titans' staff in 2011 and has coached the tight ends since midway through the 2015 campaign.

Smith replaces Matt LaFleur, who was named head coach of the Green Bay Packers earlier this month. "I am excited for Arthur and for our team to be able to elevate a deserving coach," said Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. "I was impressed throughout the season in gameplan meetings with his ideas, in-game with his understanding of situations and the ability to get the most out of his position group.

"We spent a good bit of time last week talking about this opportunity. He has a great deal of familiarity with our players and the continuity of the offense will allow our players to continue to develop and improve." Smith's success and reputation have kept him on the Tennessee payroll under four different head coaches: Vrabel, Mike Munchak, Ken Whisenhunt and Mike Mularkey.

Under Smith, Tennessee tight end Delanie Walker made three straight Pro Bowls (2015-17). After Walker went down with a season-ending injury in the 2018 opener, second-year tight end Jonnu Smith stepped up with 20 catches for 258 yards and three touchdowns. The biggest challenge facing Smith after his big promotion is getting the most out of quarterback Marcus Mariota. Smith will be Mariota's fifth OC in five seasons.

--Field Level Media