Ohio State Buckeyes Land Offensive Coordinator From NFL Team

The Ohio State Buckeyes have landed Arthur Smith as their next offensive coordinator. This is a shocking hire, as Smith was interviewing for offensive coordinator jobs around the NFL. 

He spent the last two seasons as the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator under head coach Mike Tomlin. With Tomlin stepping down at the end of the season, Smith began looking for his next job.

The Buckeyes needed a new offensive coordinator after Brian Hartline left to become the head coach at the University of South Florida.

Smith has a ton of experience, having served as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans under Mike Vrabel from 2019 to 2020 before being hired as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

Smith spent three seasons with the Falcons, going 21-30. He then moved to Pittsburgh but didn't have much success.

Smith's offense flamed out, particularly in the playoffs, as the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round blew out the Steelers.

Ryan Day and the Buckeyes have been prone to hiring former NFL coaches, as Chip Kelly served as offensive coordinator in 2024 and Matt Patricia was hired as defensive coordinator in 2025.

However, Smith doesn't have the same track record, as he only had a top offense when he was in Tennessee with running back Derrick Henry in his prime.

Ohio State is in need of a bounce-back season after falling to Miami in the College Football Playoff Semifinal.  

The Buckeyes have talented pieces on offense, including Heisman Trophy finalist Julian Sayin at quarterback and the best wide receiver in the country in Jeremiah Smith.

Sayin had an incredible season, completing 77 percent of his passes for 3,610 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. 

Smith also had a great season, hauling in 87 receptions for 1,243 yards and 12 touchdowns as well as a rushing touchdown.

Ohio State has the talent and tools to compete for a National Championship in 2026, but they will need their new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith, to scheme an effective offense to maximize players like Sayin and Jeremiah Smith.

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