Ohio State is set to hire Arthur Smith as its next offensive coordinator, according to reports. Smith most recently served as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers after previously being a head coach for the Atlanta Falcons.
New Leadership for the Buckeyes
Smith will be tasked with leading an Ohio State offense that has previously been successful under coach Ryan Day. He replaces Brian Hartline, who recently accepted the head coaching position at South Florida. This marks the second time in three years that Day has brought in a former NFL head coach to run the Buckeyes’ offense; Chip Kelly held the position in 2024 and helped the team win a national championship before returning to the NFL.
The Buckeyes finished the 2025 season ranked No. 1 before falling to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship game. They subsequently lost to Miami in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Smith will inherit a talented offense featuring quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith.
Smith’s Background
While Smith’s most recent experience is in the NFL, he does have a history in college football. He served as a defensive intern at Ole Miss in 2010 and as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, North Carolina, in 2006. He played offensive line for the Tar Heels from 2001-2005.
During his time with the Steelers, Smith’s offense averaged 23.4 points per game with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback, ranking 15th in the NFL. Prior to that, with a combination of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, the Steelers ranked 16th at 22.4 points per game. His tenure as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons saw a 21-30 record over three seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Arthur Smith?
Arthur Smith is a former NFL head coach and most recently the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is set to become the offensive coordinator for Ohio State.
Why did Ohio State hire Arthur Smith?
Arthur Smith was hired to replace Brian Hartline, who left to become the head coach at South Florida. He brings NFL experience and a track record of offensive production to the Buckeyes program.
What is Arthur Smith’s college coaching experience?
Arthur Smith previously served as a defensive intern at Ole Miss in 2010 and as a graduate assistant at North Carolina in 2006.
How will Smith’s NFL experience translate to leading a college offense, and will his play-calling style mesh with the existing talent on the Ohio State roster?
