Exclusive Report: Ohio State's New Offensive Coordinator Revealed
In a major development, sources have confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter that the Ohio State Buckeyes have appointed Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator. Smith, currently the Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator, is set to take on this role at Ohio State, replacing Brian Hartline, who has moved to South Florida as a head coach.
This news comes amidst a busy period for the Steelers, who recently hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach. The franchise informed staff members that they were free to explore other opportunities after Mike Tomlin's resignation. Smith's potential departure from the Steelers was a topic of interest, especially given his impressive track record as an offensive coordinator.
Smith's expertise lies in his ability to lead dynamic offensive units. During his time in Tennessee, he worked alongside quarterback Ryan Tannehill, running back Derrick Henry, and wide receiver A.J. Brown, consistently ranking among the top 10 in scoring. This success led to the Titans discussing the possibility of re-hiring Smith as their offensive coordinator, a position he held from 2019-2020.
In Pittsburgh, Smith's offensive unit demonstrated steady growth, averaging 22.4 points per game in 2024 and 23.4 in 2025. He worked with four quarterbacks during this period, including Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, and Mason Rudolph. Now, Smith will bring his offensive prowess to Ohio State, where he will coach Heisman finalist Julian Sayin and star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.
The Buckeyes' recent success includes a spot in the College Football Playoff, where they reached the quarterfinals before being eliminated by Miami. With Smith's appointment, Ohio State fans can anticipate a strategic and high-scoring offense, building upon the team's existing talent and potential.
This move marks a significant shift for both Smith and the Buckeyes, and it will be fascinating to see how this new partnership unfolds. Stay tuned for more updates as the college football world eagerly anticipates the upcoming season.