Ohio State has hired former Atlanta Falcons head coach and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith as its new offensive coordinator for the 2026 season. He replaces Brian Hartline (who became head coach at South Florida), marking the second time in three years OSU has turned to a former NFL head coach for the OC role after Chip Kelly’s partial 2024 stint.
Ryan Day sought a veteran NFL play-caller with experience, and Smith—who interviewed for NFL OC jobs with the Eagles and Titans—chose Columbus. This move comes after Ohio State’s offense under Day has been among the nation’s elite, with multiple top-10 total offense and scoring rankings, a 2024 national title, and strong production in 2025 despite occasional consistency issues.
Who Is Arthur Smith?
Smith’s NFL career includes progressing through Titans roles (defensive QC to assistant OL/TEs to full TE coach, then OC in 2019–2020), three seasons as Falcons HC (2021–2023, 21–30 record, no playoffs), and Steelers OC (2024–2025). He has minimal college experience (GA at North Carolina, defensive intern at Ole Miss).
His offenses emphasize run-heavy attacks, heavy personnel groupings (12/13 personnel), play-action passing, tight end involvement, and establishing the line of scrimmage. Success peaked with the Titans (leveraging Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill for top-5 scoring and yards in 2020, high-scoring playoff team in 2019).
Falcons tenures drew criticism for inconsistent production and underutilizing high draft picks (Kyle Pitts, Drake London, Bijan Robinson). Steelers years brought mid-pack scoring (15th–16th) with some improvements in TD passes and TE usage but overall mediocre total offense (23rd in 2024, 25th in 2025) and fan criticism for predictability and conservatism.
Pros of Hiring Arthur Smith
NFL pedigree and play-calling experience: As a former HC and longtime OC, Smith brings credibility and advanced pro concepts. Day specifically wanted this veteran presence; Smith has called plays in high-stakes NFL environments and improved offenses with limited QBs (e.g., Steelers with Wilson/Fields).
Proven success building run games and play-action: His Titans offenses were elite when featuring dominant RBs and efficient QBs via play-action off strong runs. Ohio State recruits elite OL and RBs; this could enhance physicality, red-zone efficiency, and balance against modern defenses.
Player development strengths: Excelled developing RBs (Henry), TEs (Jonnu Smith, Pat Freiermuth), and getting career years from QBs in structured systems. OSU could benefit in maximizing TEs and establishing a run identity.
Potential for scheme evolution and stability: Smith adapted somewhat in Pittsburgh (more TD passes). With OSU’s talent (elite WRs, speed), he might blend pro concepts without abandoning explosiveness. High-level NFL experience could aid in-game adjustments and preparation.
Cons of Hiring Arthur Smith
Inconsistent passing game and talent underutilization: Falcons offenses frequently ranked near the bottom in passing yards/points/scoring (e.g., 26th–32nd range in key metrics), with criticism for failing to feature star skill players like Pitts, London, and Robinson. Steelers passing was middling; schemes often seen as conservative and predictable.
Mediocre recent production: Steelers ranked 23rd–25th in total offense despite improvements in scoring and some efficiency metrics. Critics pointed to low explosive plays, personnel tendencies, and failure to maximize WRs. Falcons never reached playoffs or consistent 30+ point games.
Scheme mismatch with Ohio State’s philosophy: OSU under Day/Hartline/Kelly has thrived on spread, tempo, pass-heavy attacks with high yards per play and explosive plays from elite WRs/QBs. Smith’s run-first, heavy-personnel, slower-tempo approach could clash, especially against Big Ten speed and RPO-heavy defenses.
Limited college experience and transition risks: Virtually no recent CFB background means adapting to college rules (tempo, hashmarks), recruiting support (though he’s not a primary recruiter), and player development timelines. NFL-to-college OC moves have mixed results.
Potential Impact on the Buckeyes
Smith could add physicality and balance to an already talented roster, potentially improving red-zone efficiency, run support for play-action, and sustainability in big games. Success hinges on adaptation—leveraging OSU’s WR talent and QB while not stifling explosiveness.
Risks include stagnation if the scheme doesn’t evolve, or regression in total yards/scoring compared to recent Day-led units. Early results in 2026 will be telling, especially against top Big Ten/SEC competition.
Final Thoughts
Hiring Arthur Smith is a high-upside gamble by Ryan Day: betting NFL pedigree and run-game prowess will elevate an already strong program while addressing balance and pro-style preparation. The Titans success and development track record are compelling pros, but Falcons/Steelers inconsistencies, passing-game questions, and scheme fit represent real cons.
If Smith adapts to college talent and tempo, it could be a masterstroke. If not, it may highlight the challenges of importing NFL styles wholesale. Buckeye fans will watch closely as the 2026 season approaches.
