While most of us were enjoying Thanksgiving day festivities, news regarding the UNC football program's head coaching search was revealed.
North Carolina alum Arthur Smith confirmed that the university reached out regarding the vacancy. Although there's at least some level of interest on North Carolina's side, Smith seems to be fully focused on his current position as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
"Reality is [UNC] reached out on preliminary call. I appreciate it, love that place. But that's not my focus. I mean I've got one of the best jobs in football right now. There's a lot to be said too about [how you] can't put a price on personal and professional happiness, which I have here.
I've got an awesome job here," Smith said. "Love it here in Pittsburgh. [I] probably [have] a different mindset than I had five, four years ago where any head job, I probably would've walked there to take it.
Now my perspective's different, and when you got something good like I got here in Pittsburgh right now, family loves it here. I like the working environment, love being a Steeler."
Should you be surprised that North Carolina at least reached out to Smith? Absolutely not. The university thrives on "keeping it within the family," as they would love to find a coach that has ties to not only the program but the school as a whole. However, Smith isn't necessarily atop many fans list of potential coaches, as he struggled as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and is currently running an offense in PIttsburgh that hasn't been quite effective.
Additionally, Smith would come along with limited college coaching experience, as handling the different aspects of the job (including recruiting, NIL and the transfer portal) are areas that would take some adjusting to for the former Tar Heel.
Of course, the University of North Carolina is destined to cast a wide net in terms of identifying potential options to replace Mack Brown. While there will be plenty of speculation, we at least know that Smith was contacted, but the interest doesn't appear to be mutual (at least at the moment).