Ohio State is closing in on its next offensive coordinator, and it looks like Arthur Smith-yes, the same Arthur Smith who just wrapped up a stint as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons-is set to take the reins of the Buckeyes' offense. It’s a hire that’s already sparking conversation, and for good reason. Smith brings serious NFL credentials to Columbus, and while some fans are still processing the move, this checks a lot of important boxes for Ryan Day and his vision for the program.
Let’s break down what this hire means for Ohio State-and what Buckeye fans can expect from their new play-caller.
1. Day Wanted Experience, and He Got It
This wasn’t about taking a flyer on an up-and-comer. Ryan Day wanted a proven play-caller, someone who’s been in the fire and knows how to manage a game from the booth or the sideline. Arthur Smith fits that bill-and then some.
Smith has been calling plays in the NFL since 2019, when he took over as offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans. He helped engineer a run-heavy attack that leaned into Derrick Henry’s dominance, and it worked.
That success led to his shot as a head coach in Atlanta, where he spent three seasons. While his 21-30 record with the Falcons won’t blow anyone away, Smith’s experience at the highest level of football gives him a résumé few college coordinators can match.
This isn’t a retread hire-it’s a calculated move to bring in someone who’s been in charge of full offenses, managed NFL staffs, and game-planned against the best. Day wanted someone who could take the pressure off him as a play-caller. Smith gives him that.
2. A Return to Stability After a Rocky Finish
Last season’s offensive story was one of two halves. The Buckeyes rolled through the regular season undefeated, with Julian Sayin emerging as a Heisman finalist.
But the wheels came off late. Ohio State scored just 24 points combined in its final two games-both losses-and Day took over play-calling duties in the Cotton Bowl.
That rough finish left a sour taste, and it underscored the need for a steady hand at OC.
Enter Smith. His arrival brings back the kind of offensive structure Ohio State had under Chip Kelly in 2024.
Smith might not have a deep personal connection with Day, but there are some shared threads-like former Buckeye quarterback Will Howard playing under Smith last year, and Smith’s time working under Mike Vrabel in Tennessee. The bottom line is this: Smith has run offenses at a high level.
That gives Day something he didn’t have late last year-confidence in his coordinator.
3. Day’s Offense, Smith’s Run Game
Let’s be clear-this is still Ryan Day’s program, and his fingerprints will remain all over the passing game. But Smith brings something that’s been missing: a fresh voice in the run game.
Smith’s offensive roots go deep into the trenches. He played guard at North Carolina and later coached offensive lines and tight ends before becoming an NFL coordinator.
That background shows in the way he builds run schemes. Under his watch, the Titans ranked third in rushing in 2019 and second in 2020.
Even in Atlanta, where the talent didn’t always match the vision, Smith found ways to move the ball on the ground-finishing third in rushing in 2022 with Tyler Allgeier and again finding success in 2023 with Bijan Robinson.
Last season in Pittsburgh was a down year for Smith’s rushing attack, but over the course of his play-calling career, he’s consistently built productive ground games. That’s something Ohio State desperately needs after a 2025 season where the run game lacked both creativity and punch.
4. The Offensive Line Connection Could Be Key
While Smith deserves credit for the run game success in Atlanta, don’t overlook the role of offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford. The Falcons’ line was considered one of the best in the league during Smith’s tenure, and that was largely due to the synergy between Smith and Ledford.
Now at Ohio State, Smith will be working with offensive line coach Tyler Bowen. How quickly they build that same kind of rapport will be worth watching. The run game doesn’t click without the big guys up front, and Smith knows that better than most.
5. Can Smith Elevate the Passing Game?
This is the big question-and the reason some Buckeye fans are hesitant.
Smith’s track record in the passing game is… mixed. Over seven seasons as a play-caller, he’s worked with six different starting quarterbacks.
In Tennessee, he had two solid years with Ryan Tannehill. In Atlanta, it was a carousel: Matt Ryan, Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder.
And in Pittsburgh, he had both Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers, but the passing attack never really clicked.
None of his offenses have ranked higher than 16th in passing yards per game. That’s not what Buckeye fans are used to, especially with the kind of receiver talent Ohio State regularly rolls out. Players like Drake London and Kyle Pitts didn’t flourish under Smith in Atlanta, and last year’s Rodgers-to-DK Metcalf connection in Pittsburgh underwhelmed.
So yes, there’s reason to wonder: Can Smith dial up a dynamic passing game in Columbus?
6. Day’s Influence Will Keep the Passing Game on Track
Even with those concerns, there’s reason to believe this can work. Day isn’t handing over the keys and walking away-he’ll still be involved in shaping the passing attack. That’s how it worked in 2024 with Chip Kelly, and it paid off with a national title.
One key difference this time around: Brian Hartline is no longer in the building. Hartline may have had his struggles as a coordinator, but his deep connection with the receivers and his understanding of Day’s offensive philosophy were valuable. Now, Cortez Hankton steps in as receivers coach, and it may take time for everything to mesh.
But with Sayin back at quarterback and All-American wideout Jeremiah Smith returning, the Buckeyes have the firepower to make it work. It might not be seamless from Day 1, but there’s enough talent-and enough continuity in Day’s system-to keep the passing game humming.
7. An NFL-Inspired Model for Staffing
This hire also signals something bigger about how Day is structuring his staff. With Smith and Matt Patricia-both former NFL coordinators-on board, Ohio State is leaning into a model that mirrors the pros. Neither Smith nor Patricia is tied to a position group, and Smith won’t be hitting the recruiting trail.
That’s a notable shift. Day’s betting on experienced minds who can focus solely on game-planning and preparation, not juggling recruiting responsibilities or managing a position room. It’s a streamlined approach, and if it leads to another national title, don’t be surprised if other programs take notice.
For now, the Buckeyes are betting that Smith’s NFL pedigree, run-game acumen, and leadership experience will elevate an already loaded offense. The pieces are in place. The question now is how quickly it all comes together.