In a move that's set to shake up the college football landscape, Ohio State has reportedly landed Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator, marking a significant shift in the program's leadership. But here's where it gets intriguing: Smith, currently the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator, is finalizing a deal to join the Buckeyes, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. This transition comes on the heels of Brian Hartline's departure to take the head coaching role at South Florida, leaving big shoes to fill in Columbus.
And this is the part most people miss: Smith's appointment follows the Steelers' recent hiring of Mike McCarthy as head coach, which reportedly gave staff members, including Smith, the green light to explore other opportunities after Mike Tomlin's resignation. It's a strategic move for Smith, who was also in the running for the Tennessee Titans' head coaching position and the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive coordinator role. Interestingly, the Titans had considered bringing him back as their offensive coordinator, a position he held from 2019-2020, as noted by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Smith's tenure in Tennessee is often regarded as his most successful, where he orchestrated an offense powered by quarterback Ryan Tannehill, running back Derrick Henry, and wide receiver A.J. Brown. Under his guidance, the Titans consistently ranked in the top 10 in scoring during his two seasons there. But here's the controversial part: While his time in Pittsburgh showed moderate improvement—with the team's scoring average rising from 22.4 points per game in 2024 to 23.4 in 2025—some critics argue that the Steelers' offense underperformed given the talent at their disposal, including quarterbacks like Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, and Mason Rudolph.
At Ohio State, Smith inherits a roster brimming with talent, including Heisman finalist quarterback Julian Sayin and star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The Buckeyes, fresh off a College Football Playoff appearance where they were eliminated by Miami in the quarterfinals, are poised to make another run with Smith at the helm of their offense. But the question remains: Can Smith replicate his Tennessee success in the college game, or will he face challenges adapting to the collegiate level? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure—this hire has the potential to redefine Ohio State's offensive identity. What do you think? Is Arthur Smith the right fit for the Buckeyes, or is this a risky move? Let us know in the comments!
