Ohio State football is about to get a shake-up with the addition of Arthur Smith as the new offensive coordinator. Smith, who steps in to replace Brian Hartline, brings a wealth of NFL experience, having spent 14 years in the league. His last stint in college football was back in 2010 at Ole Miss, so this marks a significant return to the collegiate scene.
Mike Vrabel, a familiar face with ties to both Ohio State and the NFL, shared his thoughts on Smith's new role. Vrabel, who started his coaching journey with the Buckeyes and later worked with Smith during their time with the Tennessee Titans, offered some insights.
"I think what he does is going to be plenty," Vrabel noted. "That's to put the players first, make connections with them, and do what the players do best."
Smith's track record with the Titans speaks volumes. Under his leadership as offensive coordinator, the team boasted one of the NFL's top rushing attacks, powered by Derrick Henry's standout performances. Ohio State fans can look forward to Smith potentially revitalizing their run game, which struggled last season, while blending seamlessly with Ryan Day's passing strategies.
Vrabel highlighted Smith's toughness and creativity, noting, "He's got a physicality to him, a toughness to him that he wants to put on the football field offensively." Smith's knack for innovative play-calling and his aggressive approach could bring a fresh dynamic to the Buckeyes.
After his tenure with the Titans, Smith took on the head coaching role with the Atlanta Falcons, where he faced challenges but remained respected for his offensive acumen. Most recently, he served as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, focusing on optimizing the run game with limited resources.
As Ohio State gears up for the upcoming season, Vrabel, an Ohio native and Buckeye enthusiast, will be watching closely. "I've got a lot of respect for him as a coach," Vrabel said.
"And as a person and a friend. So, for all the Ohio State fans, I guess we'll have somebody to complain to if they don't score 50 points a game like every other Buckeye fan does."
With Smith on board, the Scarlet and Gray's offense is poised for an exciting transformation, and fans are eager to see how his NFL experience translates to success in Columbus.