Stephen A. Smith Suggesting Ryan Clark Should Be Steelers’ Head Coach Stuns Fans – “Someone Wants Him Off The Set”

The cast of First Take were discussing whether Mike McCarthy was the right hire as the next head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Stephen A. Smith Suggesting Ryan Clark Should Be Steelers’ Head Coach Stuns Fans – “Someone Wants Him Off The Set”

Stephen A. Smith wanted Steelers to give Ryan Clark an interview (Image via Imago)

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Once Mike Tomlin stepped down from his role as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the franchise was left in flux as they had to hire someone to lead the charge from the small pool of candidates available this year.

The lack of high-profile candidates was going to make it harder to have options, especially when a few candidates signed on early to fill other jobs around the league.

Not only was the timing of Tomlin’s departure later than everyone expected, but the franchise also made it clear that they want to continue winning and not be forced to rebuild.

Eventually, the job went to former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. His ability to groom quarterbacks and being a Pittsburgh native played their part in the 62-year-old getting the nod.

Not many are convinced of McCarthy getting the nod, particularly Stephen A. Smith, who then went on to suggest someone he knows all too well.

I want to state for the record, and I’m not joking about this, I’m dead serious. I believe that Ryan Clark should’ve been interviewed for the job… I meant it.

Stephen A. Smith said on First Take

The ESPN executive producer went on to justify his suggestion by pointing out that the Buffalo Bills interviewed Philip Rivers without the latter having any college coaching experience.

Smith felt that given the fact that Ryan Clark lives and breathes the Steelers, and is loved by their fans, should have helped him get at least an interview.

Fans react to Stephen A. Smith suggesting Ryan Clark as the Steelers’ HC

Over the past two decades, sports fans have become accustomed to Stephen A. Smith blurting out some bizarre opinions. But this took the cake for them.

Not only were they stunned to hear him suggest Ryan Clark of all people, particularly when the latter has his own portfolio of bizarre opinions. Fans believe those opinions alone do not make him a candidate.

Then, some felt that maybe those controversial opinions led Smith to suggest something like this so that the former Steelers’ safety would leave ESPN. Check out examples of those reactions below:

Had Ryan Clark amassed some coaching experience in college or the pros, this discussion would not have left football fans to respond with such reactions.

Since his opinions have created a persona that is far removed from how a head coach should behave, fans believe that this was Stephen A. Smith probably trolling his beloved Steelers.

Stephen A. Smith is not ‘moved’ by Mike McCarthy being hired as the Steelers’ HC

Before suggesting Ryan Clark for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ head coaching job, Stephen A. Smith had this opinion about new HC Mike McCarthy:

Mike McCarthy last coached the Dallas Cowboys
Mike McCarthy last coached the Dallas Cowboys (Image via Imago)

I’m not moved. I’m not moved at all… You go with a 62-year-old… It’s nothing to be excited about, to be quite honest with you, especially when you are still looking for your QB.

Stephen A. Smith said

The analyst went on to detail how the Steelers have always gone for head coaches who were young and early in their careers. Going with someone this old stops them from making something out of this team in the long run.

Moreover, he pointed out that in their last few days together, Aaron Rodgers and McCarthy were at odds. Add to that, the Super Bowl-winning coach did not have a successful time with the Dallas Cowboys.

To him, all of these points make it seem like a lateral move for his beloved Steelers. He preferred that the franchise take the same risks it had when it hired Mike Tomlin and Chuck Noll in the past.

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