Ohio State Hires Arthur Smith as Offensive Coordinator
Ohio State football has hired Arthur Smith as its next offensive coordinator, the program announced Saturday. The former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator and Atlanta Falcons head coach will lead the Buckeyes’ offense beginning with the 2026 season, replacing Brian Hartline, who departed to become South Florida’s head coach.
NFL Experience to Lead College Offense
Smith, 43, brings extensive NFL experience to Columbus after spending the last two seasons with the Steelers. Head coach Ryan Day specifically sought a veteran offensive play caller with professional football credentials to develop the program’s offensive scheme.
“Arthur’s NFL background and offensive expertise will be instrumental for our program,” Day said in a statement. Smith becomes the second former NFL head coach on Ohio State’s staff, joining defensive coordinator Matt Patricia.
Smith’s Career Arc
Smith’s most successful tenure came with the Tennessee Titans, where he served as offensive coordinator and engineered top-10 offenses in consecutive seasons. His performance there earned him the Falcons’ head coaching position in 2021, though Atlanta went 7-10 in each of his three seasons without reaching the playoffs.
His time in Pittsburgh produced mixed results. The Steelers’ offense ranked 16th in scoring in 2024 and 15th in 2025—a stark contrast to his Titans success. Despite the organizational challenges, Smith interviewed for multiple NFL head coaching vacancies this offseason before electing to transition to college football.
Rare College Coaching Background
Smith will step into his first substantial college coaching role since 2010, when he was a defensive intern at Ole Miss. He also worked as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, North Carolina, in 2006, where he played offensive lineman from 2001-2005. The son of FedEx founder Fred Smith, the Memphis native brings both football acumen and proven adaptability to campus.
Building on Recent Success
Smith inherits a high-powered offense featuring quarterback Julian Sayin and receiver Jeremiah Smith. Ohio State finished the 2025 season as the nation’s top-ranked team before falling to Indiana in the Big Ten Championship and ultimately losing in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals to Miami.
This marks the third time in as many years Ohio State has employed a former NFL head coach in an offensive role. Chip Kelly led the Buckeyes’ offense in 2024, helping secure a national championship before joining the Las Vegas Raiders’ coaching staff.
