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,

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

Steelers offensive coordinator and UNC alum Arthur Smith said he had a preliminary conversation with North Carolina about their head coach vacancy, but is happy in Pittsburgh.