Arthur Smith Joins Ohio State as Offensive Coordinator: What Buckeye Fans Need to Know
Ohio State is once again tapping into NFL experience to bolster its coaching staff, this time on the offensive side of the ball. After bringing in Matt Patricia to run the defense last year, Ryan Day is expected to hand the keys to the offense to former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith.
Smith brings a unique blend of NFL pedigree, coaching versatility, and a deep-rooted football background. For Buckeye Nation, here’s what you need to know about the man set to shape Ohio State’s offense moving forward.
From Memphis Roots to Maryland Prep
Arthur Smith was born in Memphis, Tennessee, but his journey through football began to take shape in the Northeast. He attended Georgetown Preparatory School in North Bethesda, Maryland, where he played high school football and began carving out a path that would eventually lead him to the NFL sidelines.
A FedEx Legacy, But a Football Mind
Smith’s last name carries weight in the corporate world-his father, Fred Smith, founded FedEx and turned it into one of the most recognizable global brands. Fred passed away last year at the age of 80, but Arthur has long been charting his own course in football, far removed from the boardroom.
College Days at North Carolina
Smith played his college ball at North Carolina, suiting up as an offensive lineman from 2001 to 2005. His playing career was marred by injuries-after redshirting in 2001, he appeared in just one game in 2002 before being sidelined by a foot injury that required surgery. He missed the entire 2003 season and saw limited action over his final two years.
But even as injuries slowed him down on the field, his football IQ and leadership didn’t go unnoticed. Then-head coach John Bunting saw something special in Smith early on, once saying, “Some day I think he could be a great coach.” That comment would prove prophetic.
Coaching Career Takes Off
Smith’s coaching journey began right where his playing career ended-in Chapel Hill. He joined the Tar Heels’ staff as a graduate assistant in 2006, getting his first taste of life on the sidelines.
A year later, he jumped to the NFL, joining Washington’s staff as a quality control coach from 2007 to 2008. That early exposure to the league set the tone for what would become a long and steady climb through the coaching ranks.
A Brief Return to College Ball
In 2010, Smith returned to the college game for a short stint at Ole Miss, working as a defensive intern and administrative assistant under Houston Nutt. It was a one-year stop, but it gave him another layer of experience before he made the leap back to the NFL-this time for good.
Rising Through the NFL Ranks
Smith’s most significant stretch came with the Tennessee Titans, where he worked from 2013 to 2020 in a variety of roles. He eventually earned the offensive coordinator title in 2019 under head coach Mike Vrabel. That Titans offense, built around a punishing run game and efficient play-action passing, helped Smith become one of the league’s rising coaching names.
His success in Tennessee led to his first head coaching opportunity in Atlanta.
Head Coach Experience in Atlanta
Smith took over the Falcons in 2021 and spent three seasons in Atlanta. Each year, the Falcons posted a 7-10 record-consistently competitive, but never quite able to break through. He worked with a rotating cast of quarterbacks, starting with veteran Matt Ryan, followed by Marcus Mariota and Desmond Ridder.
Though the results weren’t eye-popping, Smith’s time in Atlanta gave him valuable experience managing a full roster and game-planning week to week at the highest level.
Back to the Coordinator Role in Pittsburgh
After being let go by the Falcons, Smith didn’t sit on the sidelines for long. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin brought him in as Pittsburgh’s offensive coordinator for the 2024 season.
With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields sharing quarterback duties, Smith helped guide a Steelers offense that averaged 22.4 points per game-ranking 16th in the league. Pittsburgh finished the regular season 10-7 before falling to the Ravens in the playoffs.
Smith returned for the 2025 season, this time with Aaron Rodgers under center. The Steelers once again went 10-7, winning the AFC North, but their postseason run ended early with a loss to the Texans.
Ties to Ohio State Through Coaching Circles
While Smith’s direct college coaching experience is limited, his ties to Ohio State run deeper than they might appear at first glance. During his time as offensive coordinator in Tennessee, he worked under Mike Vrabel-a former Buckeye star and assistant coach who remains a respected figure in Columbus. Vrabel, now the head coach of the New England Patriots, has long maintained strong ties to the Ohio State program.
Smith also spent time last season with quarterback Will Howard, a former Buckeye who was drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Howard served as Pittsburgh’s third-string quarterback behind Rodgers and Mason Rudolph, giving Smith a chance to work closely with a player who came up through the Ohio State system.
What This Means for the Buckeyes
Bringing Arthur Smith into the fold signals a clear intent from Ryan Day: blend pro-level concepts with Ohio State’s high-powered talent pipeline. Smith’s offenses have traditionally leaned on physicality up front, a strong run game, and play-action-principles that could fit well with the Buckeyes’ personnel.
His NFL background, head coaching experience, and familiarity with quarterback development give Ohio State a seasoned voice to guide the offense. With Smith calling plays and Day overseeing the overall vision, the Buckeyes are doubling down on experience and tactical depth.
Ohio State’s staff now features two former NFL head coaches coordinating both sides of the ball. That’s not just a headline-it’s a statement of intent. The Buckeyes are building a program that thinks big, and now they’ve got an offensive mind who’s been in the fire to help lead the charge.