Ohio State Hires Arthur Smith as Offensive Coordinator

Smith brings extensive NFL experience to the Buckeyes' offense

Jan. 31, 2026 at 6:55pm

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Ohio State has hired Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator, marking the second straight year head coach Ryan Day has turned to an NFL coordinator to lead the Buckeyes' offense. Smith, who was previously the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers and head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, will look to help Ohio State's offense reach new heights after the team finished 18th in the nation in scoring offense and 24th in total offense in 2025.

Why it matters

The hiring of Arthur Smith as Ohio State's offensive coordinator is a significant move, as the Buckeyes look to build on their success and take their offense to an even higher level. Smith's extensive NFL experience, including stints as both an offensive coordinator and head coach, should provide valuable expertise to help develop Ohio State's talented offensive roster, led by Heisman finalist Julian Sayin at quarterback and AP All-America receiver Jeremiah Smith.

The details

Smith was previously the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers the past two seasons, after serving as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2021 through 2023. Prior to that, he spent a decade on the Tennessee Titans' coaching staff, rising from a quality control coach to offensive coordinator in his final two years. Smith has a track record of success working with top-tier running backs and quarterbacks in the NFL, including Derrick Henry, Matt Ryan, and Aaron Rodgers.

  • On January 31, 2026, Ohio State announced the hiring of Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator.

The players

Arthur Smith

A 43-year-old coach with extensive NFL experience, including stints as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers and head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.

Ryan Day

The head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team, who is looking to build on the team's success by hiring Smith as the new offensive coordinator.

Julian Sayin

The returning Heisman finalist quarterback for the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Jeremiah Smith

A dynamic wide receiver for the Ohio State Buckeyes, who has been an AP All-America selection for the past two years.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Ryan Day, Head Coach, Ohio State Buckeyes (toledoblade.com)

What’s next

Ohio State will look to integrate Arthur Smith's offensive expertise into their system as they prepare for the upcoming season, with the goal of taking their offense to new heights and competing for a national championship.

The takeaway

The hiring of Arthur Smith as Ohio State's new offensive coordinator represents a significant investment in the team's offensive future, as they look to capitalize on the talent of players like Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith. Smith's extensive NFL experience should provide valuable insights and guidance to help the Buckeyes' offense reach new levels of success.