COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State football has found its next offensive coordinator. The Buckeyes are hiring former Falcons head coach and longtime NFL assistant Arthur Smith to join coach Ryan Day’s staff, according to multiple reports.
Smith last coached at the collegiate level in 2010 when he was a defensive intern and administrative assistant at Ole Miss. He most recently served as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator.
He’ll help Ohio State replace Brian Hartline in a manner similar to how the Buckeyes moved on from Jim Knowles.
Knowles served as OSU’s defensive coordinator from 2022-24. After the Buckeyes won a national title during the 2024-25 season, he left to serve as Penn State’s defensive coordinator.
Ohio State hired former Lions head coach and longtime NFL assistant Matt Patricia to replace Knowles.
Hartline — who served as Ohio State’s receivers coach and offensive coordinator — was hired as South Florida’s head coach in December. Day is now turning to the NFL to hire Hartline’s replacement.
Smith, 43, began his coaching career with North Carolina in 2006 as a graduate assistant. He then coached at a myriad of stops including a handful of places in the NFL with Washington, Tennessee, Atlanta and Pittsburgh.
He held various roles with the Titans, including coaching the offensive line and tight ends, before he was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2019.
Smith took over the Falcons as the head coach in 2021 and coached the team to a 21-30 record. He was fired on Jan. 8, 2024 after three seasons with the team.
He spent the next two seasons coaching for the Steelers as the team’s offensive coordinator. Coach Mike Tomlin stepped down after the season ended, which prompted the change on the coaching staff.
The Steelers ranked 16th and 15th, respectively, in the NFL in points scored in the last two seasons.
The Buckeyes are set to return several notable players on offense, including quarter Julian Sayin and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
