COLUMBUS, Ohio - Arthur Smith is stepping into a familiar yet exciting new role, reminiscent of his 2021 debut with the Atlanta Falcons. Back then, he was making headlines as a fresh face in the NFL head coaching ranks. Now, he’s turning heads again, this time as the new offensive coordinator for Ohio State.
Sporting a black vest with a scarlet emblem and a matching trucker hat, Smith appeared at his first Ohio State press conference, marking another significant career milestone. The move to Ohio State wasn’t as predictable as his rise in the NFL, sparking curiosity and questions about his decision.
So, why the switch to college football, and why Ohio State?
The journey began in January with an unexpected twist. Smith was entrenched as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, eyeing postseason success. But when Mike Tomlin stepped down after 19 seasons, the landscape shifted dramatically.
Smith explained, “Coach Tomlin stepped away,” which set off a chain reaction. With Tomlin’s departure, Smith and his colleagues were suddenly exploring new horizons.
Enter Ohio State’s Ryan Day. A conversation with Day and a visit to Columbus laid the groundwork for Smith’s return to the college game, a realm he hadn’t been part of since his stint as a defensive intern at Ole Miss in 2010. For Smith, the move “just made sense.”
While Smith doesn’t have deep personal ties with Day, his connections to Ohio State are robust. He’s coached former Ohio State quarterbacks Will Howard and Justin Fields in Pittsburgh and worked with other Buckeyes like Jack Sawyer, Jeff Okudah, Zach Harrison, and Mike Vrabel.
Vrabel, who played at Ohio State and later worked with Smith as the Titans’ head coach, provided valuable insights during the hiring process. Smith’s understanding of Ohio State’s storied football tradition and its high expectations was further enriched by conversations with these former Buckeyes.
“You don’t go to Ohio State if you don’t welcome those expectations,” Smith noted. “It’s the same in the NFL. The challenge to win every Sunday is what drives you as a coach.”
Smith’s transition to Ohio State might have been unexpected, but it’s a challenge he’s ready to embrace. With his history and connections, he’s poised to make a significant impact in Columbus.