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Ohio State adds former NFL head coach as next OC, per report
By David Wasson
Published:
Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is headed back to the college ranks, reportedly as the new offensive coordinator for Ohio State.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported on Saturday that Smith had been tapped by Buckeyes coach Ryan Day to come to Columbus for the 2026 season. He replaces Brian Hartline on the Ohio State staff and will get to work with Heisman Trophy finalist Julian Sayin as well as Biletnikoff Award winner Jeremiah Smith.
Smith spent 2 seasons running the offense under former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh ranked 11th in the NFL with 127.4 rushing yards per game in 2024 but tumbled to 26th with 103.3 rushing yards per game in 2025.
Prior to his time in Pittsburgh, he coached the Falcons for 3 seasons from 2021-23. He was fired in January 2024 after producing 3 consecutive 7-10 seasons.
Smith’s only other college coaching experience came in 2010, when he was a defensive intern at Ole Miss under then-head coach Houston Nutt. Smith was on staff with the Tennessee Titans from 2011-20 in various roles, ultimately rising to offensive coordinator in 2019-20.
Hartline’s departure for the USF vacancy means the Ohio State offensive coordinator job will be filled by a former NFL head coach for the second time in 3 seasons. Former Eagles head coach Chip Kelly held that post in 2024 before Hartline assumed it for the 2025 season.
Day also has another former head coach (Matt Patricia) coordinating his defense.
An APSE national award-winning writer and page designer, David Wasson has almost four decades of experience in the print journalism business in Florida and Alabama. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times and several national magazines and websites. His Twitter handle: @JustDWasson.