Ohio State is expected to hire Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith as the Buckeyes’ next offensive coordinator, multiple outlets reported Saturday.
Buckeyes coach Ryan Day had to search for a replacement after offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach Brian Hartline left to become the head coach at South Florida.
Smith, 43, has been the Steelers offensive coordinator for the past two seasons after serving as the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2021-23. In three seasons at the helm in Atlanta Smith had a record of 21-30, finishing 7-10 each season.
This past season, the Steelers offense ranked 25th in yards per game (305.6), 26th in rushing yards per game (103.3) and 15th in points per game (23.4).
He’ll join a team which won the 2024 national championship and inherit an offense with top 2027 NFL Draft prospect Jeremiah Smith at receiver and Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Julian Sayin. The Buckeyes finished in the top 30 in FBS in scoring offense (33.4 points per game, 21st), total offense (422.6 yards per game, 26th) and passing offense (262.8 yards per game, 23rd).
Smith rose to prominence as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans as a part of their AFC Championship run in the 2019 season. Smith helped the Titans finish top three in rushing offense in back-to-back seasons (2019-20).
