Eric Boggs
Ryan Day has made it clear over the past few seasons that Ohio State is at its best when experienced, proven play callers are empowered to run each side of the ball, and his latest hire reinforces that belief. On Saturday, Ohio State hired former NFL head coach and longtime offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to lead the Buckeyes’ offense in 2026, replacing Brian Hartline, who departed to become the head coach at South Florida. For Day, this move is a continuation of a blueprint that has already paid dividends, and it signals a commitment to operating the program with a true CEO structure at the top.
Smith arrives in Columbus with six years of NFL play-calling experience and three seasons as a head coach, making him one of the most accomplished offensive minds to enter the college game this cycle. Most recently, he served as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator, following a three-year run as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. While his time in Pittsburgh drew criticism from fans due to the Steelers’ offensive rankings, Smith’s broader body of work tells a more complete story—one that includes elite production and adaptability when the personnel fit the vision.
That success was most evident during Smith’s tenure with the Tennessee Titans, where his offense ranked among the NFL’s best. In 2020, Tennessee finished third in total offense and fourth in scoring, and the unit remained in the top 10 during his second season calling plays. That performance earned him the Atlanta head coaching job, where he continued to call offensive plays while navigating a roster in transition. For Ohio State, the appeal lies in Smith’s experience building and adjusting systems, not rigidly forcing schemes that don’t match the talent available.
There will naturally be questions about how Smith’s NFL tendencies—particularly his use of multiple tight-end personnel groupings—translate to a roster built on speed and skill talent, but great coordinators adapt, and Day has a proven track record of identifying coaches who do exactly that. The same reservations existed when Chip Kelly was hired in 2024 and when Matt Patricia was brought in to run the defense in 2025. Both moves paid off, and the pairing of Smith and Patricia now gives Ohio State two former NFL head coaches going head-to-head in practice and collaborating on game plans, a dynamic that should elevate both units.
Just as importantly, Smith’s presence allows Day to stay focused on the big picture. With the expanded coaching staff model in place, Smith is expected to oversee the entire offense without being tied to a specific position group or recruiting territory, giving Ohio State a professional-style structure that few programs can match. With Cortez Hankton taking over as wide receivers coach and the rest of the offensive staff largely returning, the transition should be seamless.
At 43 years old, Smith brings maturity, perspective, and credibility to a program that continues to blend NFL experience with college talent development. He also chose Ohio State over potential NFL opportunities with the Eagles and Titans, a clear sign of how attractive the Buckeyes’ situation has become. For Ohio State fans, this hire isn’t just about the next play call—it’s about continuing to build a program that evolves, adapts, and stays one step ahead.
