New Report Leaks That Steelers' Arthur Smith And Russell Wilson Had A Rocky Relationship

The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in two starting-caliber quarterbacks for the 2024 season, setting the stage for a competitive and unpredictable year. First came Russell Wilson, a veteran with a storied career, followed by the acquisition of Justin Fields, a younger quarterback looking to prove his worth after being let go by his former team. Both quarterbacks had something to prove, and while Wilson was named the starter, Fields stepped in admirably during Wilson's early-season injury, guiding the Steelers to a 4-2 record.

The transition back to Wilson sparked controversy, with reports suggesting tension within the organization. Head Coach Mike Tomlin made the long-term decision to reinstate Wilson, but it was rumored to be met with resistance, particularly from Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. While whispers of Smith’s dissatisfaction surfaced, they were never fully substantiated. The dynamic between the coaching staff and quarterbacks became a focal point as the season progressed, leaving fans and analysts speculating about the internal workings of the team.

As the season concluded, uncertainty looms over the futures of both Wilson and Fields in Pittsburgh. On Tuesday, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly added fuel to the fire, revealing that Wilson and Smith’s relationship was not as harmonious as it appeared. Despite public displays of camaraderie and long hours spent reviewing film together, Kaboly’s insight suggests that underlying friction existed, raising questions about how this dynamic may have influenced the Steelers' offensive struggles and future plans.

"Reports surfaced during the year that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith preferred Fields over Wilson but that was never substantiated," Kaboly said. "Still, despite Wilson and Smith spending countless hours together after the typical workday watching film and publicly joking about it, a team source recently said that Wilson and Smith did not have a very good working relationship but fought through their differences as best they could."

During the season, when the Steelers were thriving, Smith lightheartedly joked that his wife would FaceTime him to check in, only to find him working late hours with Wilson instead of doing anything questionable. 

The remark was humorous at the time, showcasing the perceived camaraderie between the two. That’s what makes Kaboly’s recent revelation so startling—despite their extended hours together, a team source claims that Smith and Wilson didn’t have a great working relationship after all.