COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State University hired Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator Saturday, the second straight year Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day has turned to a coordinator with extensive NFL experience.
Smith was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator the past two seasons after being the Atlanta Falcons head coach from 2021-23. He was an assistant for the Tennessee Titans from 2011-20, rising to the role of offensive coordinator before getting his first head coaching opportunity in Atlanta.
“He will bring immediate value to our program and was exactly what we were looking for as we set out to find our next offensive coordinator,” Day said in a released statement. “His track record in the NFL, experience as coordinator, player caller and a head coach checked every box during the search. He’ll do a great job in helping our players reach their potential on the field while also connecting with them as people.”
Smith replaces Brian Hartline, who was hired as the University of South Florida’s head coach after eight seasons in Columbus.
The 43-year old Smith has not been on a college staff since he was a defensive intern at Ole Miss for one season in 2010. His only other college experience was as a graduate assistant in 2006 at North Carolina, his alma mater. He began his NFL coaching career as a quality control coach for the Washington Redskins in 2007-08.