Smith says he had a conversation with the university about their coaching vacancy where he played on the offensive line in the early 2000s. Smith's coaching career started there in Chapel Hill as a graduate assistant in 2006. He says the university reached out to him about the job, but says he doesn't plan on leaving Pittsburgh anytime soon.

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith confirmed Thursday that North Carolina reached out to him about its coaching vacancy.

People cast a wide net and then some narratives get out of control," Smith said. North Carolina fired head coach Mack Brown and has opened its search. Smith’s name was quickly thrown out as a potential candidate,

Arthur Smith of the Steelers addressed rumors about a coaching role at UNC but emphasized his happiness with his current position.

One day after North Carolina fired coach Mack Brown following a 6–5 start to the season, multiple coaching candidates have popped up as possible replacements, including Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, On3 Sports ' Andy Staples speculated Tuesday.

North Carolina recently fired head coach Mack Brown, and the school’s process of finding his replacement is underway.

Arthur Smith said that his alma mater North Carolina "reached out" to him, but that his focus is on "one of the best jobs in football" with Steelers.

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith addressed the speculation that he may be involved in the coaching search at his alma mater North Carolina when speaking to the Pittsburgh media on Thursday.