Columbus, Ohio – In a move signaling a strategic shift towards experienced leadership, Ohio State University has appointed Arthur Smith as its new offensive coordinator, effective immediately. The appointment, finalized on , brings a veteran NFL coach to the collegiate ranks, a decision lauded by head coach Ryan Day as a “home run” hire.
The hiring of Smith, officially announced by the university after weeks of speculation, marks the fourth time since that Day has entrusted his offense to a new coordinator, and the third such change in as many seasons. This underscores a deliberate effort to bolster the offensive side of the ball with seasoned expertise, particularly in play-calling – a critical area identified as needing reinforcement following the conclusion of the season.
Smith’s resume boasts a wealth of NFL experience, most recently serving as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers for the past two seasons. Prior to that, he held the position of head coach for the Atlanta Falcons for three years. This extensive background, encompassing roles as coordinator, play-caller, and head coach, directly addressed the criteria Day outlined during his search, according to a university release. Day emphasized the need for a coordinator who could “take over that room” and allow him to focus on broader strategic oversight, mirroring a successful approach taken in with the hiring of Chip Kelly, a season that culminated in a national championship.
The decision to bring in Smith is particularly noteworthy given the contrasting profile of his predecessor, Brian Hartline. While Hartline possessed a strong understanding of the receiver position, his experience as a coordinator was limited. Smith, conversely, brings a proven track record of offensive leadership at the highest level of professional football. This shift reflects Day’s desire to return to a “CEO” role, delegating the intricacies of play-calling to a specialist while concentrating on the overall management of the program.
Analysts suggest that Smith’s offensive philosophy aligns with Day’s evolving preferences. Day has increasingly favored formations incorporating two or three tight ends alongside traditional wide receiver sets, aiming to establish a robust running game as a foundation for offensive success. Smith’s history demonstrates a similar inclination, having consistently prioritized establishing the run throughout his NFL career. Data compiled by Press Pros Magazine colleague Marcus Hartman reveals that Smith’s offenses have consistently ranked highly in rushing attempts and rushing play percentage.
Hartman’s analysis indicates that, across seven seasons as a play-caller, Smith’s offenses averaged fourth in the league in rushing, second in rushing play percentage, and first in plays utilizing two or more tight ends. During his tenure as offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans in and , he engineered offenses that ranked third and second, respectively, in rushing yards. Even during his time with the Atlanta Falcons, despite facing quarterback challenges, Smith’s teams demonstrated a commitment to a ground-based attack, finishing third and ninth in rushing in subsequent seasons.
While Smith’s time in Atlanta was ultimately marked by challenges – including navigating a changing quarterback situation with players like Matt Ryan, Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder, and Taylor Heinicke – his ability to generate a productive running game, exemplified by Bijan Robinson’s rookie season of 1,463 rushing yards, underscores his coaching acumen. His recent stint with the Steelers, though yielding a offensive ranking of 25th saw the team achieve a respectable 15th ranking in points scored, suggesting an ability to maximize offensive output even with limitations.
The appointment has drawn comparisons to Day’s hiring of Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator, another NFL veteran brought in to address a specific need. Both moves reflect a willingness to look beyond traditional collegiate coaching circles for experienced leadership. Day acknowledged the importance of this experience, stating that Smith’s track record would be invaluable in helping players reach their potential and fostering strong relationships.
However, the success of Smith’s approach will hinge on the performance of the offensive line. The Buckeyes’ ability to effectively run the ball, a cornerstone of Smith’s offensive philosophy, will depend on significant improvement in blocking, particularly against top-tier opponents. The team returns four starting offensive linemen and others with significant experience, offering a potential foundation for success, but consistent performance remains a key question mark.
Looking ahead, Ohio State faces a challenging schedule in , including road games against Texas, Iowa, Indiana, and USC, and home contests against Illinois, Oregon, and Michigan. Analysts, including Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt, have identified this as the most difficult schedule in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes will need a consistently effective offense, guided by Smith’s expertise, to navigate this demanding slate and contend for a national championship.
Day’s decision to entrust his offense to Arthur Smith represents a calculated gamble on experience and a return to a strategic framework that previously yielded championship success. The coming months will determine whether this “home run” hire can deliver the results the Buckeyes – and their fans – are hoping for.
