The landscape of college football coaching continues to lean heavily on NFL experience, and Ohio State is once again leading the charge. Former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is finalizing a deal to become the next offensive coordinator for the Buckeyes, according to multiple reports. The move marks a significant transition for Smith, who returns to the collegiate ranks after a lengthy and high-profile career in the professional game.
A High-Profile Addition to Ryan Day’s Staff
As Ohio State prepares for the 2026 season, head coach Ryan Day has once again looked toward the NFL to fill a critical vacancy on his coaching staff. Arthur Smith, 43, arrives in Columbus following a two-year stint as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers. During his tenure in Pittsburgh, Smith was tasked with revitalizing an offense that faced significant scrutiny, though the team struggled to find consistent rhythm, ranking 23rd in total offense in 2024 and 25th in 2025.
Despite the challenges in Pittsburgh, Smith remains one of the most respected play-callers in the industry due to his previous success with the Tennessee Titans. Under his leadership in 2020, the Titans' offense ranked third in the NFL in total yardage and fourth in scoring, a performance that propelled Smith to the head coaching position with the Atlanta Falcons from 2021 to 2023.
Replacing Brian Hartline in Columbus
The vacancy at Ohio State was created when Brian Hartline, a former Buckeyes standout and long-time assistant, accepted the head coaching position at South Florida in December 2025. Hartline’s departure left a massive void in the play-calling department, particularly given his reputation as one of the nation’s premier recruiters and developers of wide receiver talent.
In hiring Arthur Smith, Day continues a clear trend of bringing in former NFL head coaches to lead the Buckeyes' offense. This strategy previously saw the hiring of Bill O’Brien and Chip Kelly, the latter of whom helped guide Ohio State to a College Football Playoff National Championship in 2024. Smith will now be tasked with maintaining that championship standard while integrating his physical, run-heavy offensive philosophy into the Buckeyes' high-powered system.
The NFL Influence at Ohio State
With the addition of Smith, Ohio State now boasts two former NFL head coaches in coordinator roles. Smith joins defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, the former Detroit Lions head coach and New England Patriots assistant, who is entering his second season with the program. This "NFL-style" staff structure has become a hallmark of Ryan Day’s recent approach to program building, prioritizing professional-level scheme knowledge and game management.
Smith’s Path to the Buckeyes
Reports indicate that Smith was a highly sought-after commodity during this coaching cycle. He reportedly received interest from the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans for their head coaching vacancies and had discussions with the Philadelphia Eagles regarding their offensive coordinator opening. Ultimately, the opportunity to join a perennial title contender in Columbus proved more appealing than staying in the professional ranks.
- Experience: 17 years in the NFL coaching ranks.
- Key Achievements: Orchestrated a top-3 NFL offense with the Titans in 2020.
- College Roots: Former offensive lineman at North Carolina; served as a graduate assistant at UNC and a defensive intern at Ole Miss early in his career.
What Arthur Smith Brings to the Buckeyes Offense
Known for his heavy use of 12-personnel (two tight ends) and a punishing ground game, Smith’s offensive identity may offer a new dimension to an Ohio State program that has traditionally been defined by its explosive passing attack. During his most successful years in the NFL, Smith maximized the talents of elite ball-carriers like Derrick Henry, utilizing play-action passing to create explosive plays downfield.
The Buckeyes are scheduled to open their 2026 campaign at home against Ball State on September 5. All eyes will be on the sideline to see how Smith’s professional pedigree translates to the collegiate game as the Buckeyes look to return to the top of the Big Ten and the national landscape.
Sources & Original Reporting