Ohio State is closing in on its next offensive coordinator and play caller, and all signs point to Arthur Smith stepping into that role. The former Atlanta Falcons head coach and longtime NFL play caller is expected to join Ryan Day’s staff, bringing a wealth of experience-and a fair share of discussion-along with him.
For Buckeyes fans, the news might stir up some déjà vu. Just like last year’s hiring of Matt Patricia on the defensive side, Smith’s potential addition has sparked mixed reactions. But make no mistake: this move fits exactly what Day was looking for in a coordinator to replace Brian Hartline, who left to become head coach at South Florida.
Let’s break down what this hire means for Ohio State-and why it could be a pivotal piece in the Buckeyes’ 2026 puzzle.
1. Day Wanted Experience, and Smith Brings Plenty
When Ryan Day went shopping for a new play caller, experience was at the top of the list. He’s getting that in spades with Arthur Smith.
Since 2019, Smith has been calling plays in the NFL, first with the Tennessee Titans and then as head coach of the Falcons. That’s seven straight years of designing and executing NFL offenses-something few college coaches can match.
Smith’s head coaching stint in Atlanta didn’t yield a winning record (21-30 over three seasons), but his reputation as a sharp offensive mind remains intact. He was reportedly in the mix for OC jobs with both the Titans and Eagles before Ohio State came calling. Inside the Buckeyes program, there’s real excitement about what he brings to the table.
And from Day’s perspective, Smith checks the most important box: he’s a proven, battle-tested play caller.
2. After a Tough Finish in 2025, Day Wants Stability
Let’s rewind to the end of last season. Ohio State cruised through the regular season and had quarterback Julian Sayin in the Heisman conversation.
But the offense sputtered in the final two games-both losses-scoring just 24 points combined. Day took back play-calling duties for the Cotton Bowl, but the results weren’t what Buckeye Nation was hoping for.
That’s the backdrop for this hire. In 2024, Day had Chip Kelly running the offense and could focus on the bigger picture.
Bringing in Smith gives him that same level of trust and peace of mind. While Day and Smith don’t have deep personal ties, there is some crossover: former Buckeye QB Will Howard played under Smith last year, and Smith served as OC under Mike Vrabel, a former Ohio State standout.
Smith’s experience leading offensive staffs should allow Day to step back from the play sheet and focus on managing the program.
3. Smith Brings a Physical Edge to the Run Game
This is still Ryan Day’s offense, especially in the passing game. But Smith brings something that could elevate the Buckeyes’ ground attack-creativity and toughness in the run game.
Smith’s background is rooted in the trenches. He played guard at North Carolina and coached offensive linemen and tight ends with the Titans before taking over as OC. His run-heavy offenses in Tennessee were built around Derrick Henry, and the results were impressive: third in the NFL in rushing in 2019, second in 2020.
In Atlanta, the run game had its ups and downs. The Falcons ranked 31st in rushing in 2021 but bounced back in 2022 with Tyler Allgeier and again in 2023 with Bijan Robinson. Last season marked the first time since 2021 that a Smith-led offense finished in the bottom half of the league in rushing yards.
Still, Smith’s track record shows he knows how to build a run game-and that’s something Ohio State could use after a 2025 season that lacked explosiveness on the ground.
4. Offensive Line Chemistry Will Be Key
While Smith deserves credit for Atlanta’s run game resurgence, offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford played a big role in that success. The two worked closely together, and their partnership helped the Falcons build one of the more respected offensive lines in the NFL.
Ledford was even retained briefly after Smith’s firing before new head coach Kevin Stefanski made a change. That speaks to the regard in which that offensive line was held.
At Ohio State, Smith will now work with O-line coach Tyler Bowen. That relationship will be one to watch. If they can build a similar synergy, the Buckeyes’ run game could take a serious step forward.
5. Can Smith Elevate the Passing Game?
Here’s where the questions start to creep in. Smith’s offenses have been known for their physicality and run-first identity-but not necessarily for high-flying passing attacks.
In his seven years as a play caller, Smith worked with six different starting quarterbacks. He had two solid years with Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee, then cycled through Matt Ryan, Marcus Mariota, and Desmond Ridder in Atlanta. Last season in Pittsburgh, he had Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers, but the passing game still underwhelmed.
None of his offenses finished higher than 16th in the NFL in passing yards per game. And some talented pass-catchers-like Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and DK Metcalf-never quite hit their stride under his watch.
That’s where some of the skepticism among Buckeye fans is coming from. Ohio State is known for its elite wide receiver talent, and there’s concern about how Smith’s system will mesh with that.
6. Day’s Passing Game + Smith’s Run Game = A Promising Blend
Despite those concerns, there’s reason for optimism. In 2024, Day and Chip Kelly successfully blended their offensive philosophies, and the result was a national title. The hope is that Day and Smith can find a similar rhythm.
One key difference this time: Brian Hartline is no longer around. While Hartline struggled at times as a coordinator, his deep knowledge of the receiver room and Day’s system was a major asset.
Now, Cortez Hankton steps in as receivers coach. It’s a new chapter, but the core talent remains, led by Sayin and All-American wideout Jeremiah Smith. And Day, even if he’s not calling plays, will still have his fingerprints on the passing game.
It may take a few weeks for everything to click, but there’s enough talent and experience in the building to make this work.
7. Day’s NFL-Inspired Model Is Taking Shape
With Arthur Smith expected to join the staff, Day is doubling down on a model that mirrors the NFL. Both Smith and Patricia are former NFL coordinators. Neither is tied to a specific position group, and neither is expected to be heavily involved in recruiting.
That’s not the norm in college football, but it’s clearly by design. Day is opting for seasoned strategists who can focus on game planning and execution, while leaving recruiting and position development to the rest of the staff.
It’s a bold approach-and one that could catch on if Ohio State makes another deep postseason run. For NFL coaches looking to reset their careers without jumping back into the recruiting grind, Columbus might just become a destination.
In the end, Arthur Smith’s hire is about more than just scheme. It’s about trust, experience, and building a staff that can compete at the highest level. If the Buckeyes can blend Smith’s physical run game with Day’s dynamic passing attack, they’ll be a nightmare to prepare for this fall.