In a surprising turn of events, Ohio State University is preparing to appoint Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive coordinator Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator. But here's where it gets controversial—while many see this as a natural step forward in Smith’s coaching journey, it also raises questions about the influence of NFL experience on college programs. A trusted source informed ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Smith is in the final stages of negotiations to join the Buckeyes, where he will take over from Brian Hartline. Hartline recently left Ohio State to accept the head coaching position at South Florida.
The timing of this news is also noteworthy since the Steelers recently hired Mike McCarthy as their new head coach. Following Mike Tomlin’s resignation, the franchise reportedly told staff members they were free to explore other opportunities—creating a ripple effect of coaching moves across the league.
Smith's name has been prominent in coaching circles, as he was previously considered for the head coach position with the Tennessee Titans and served as the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers. Although neither of those opportunities materialized, the Titans did discuss reuniting with him as their offensive coordinator—a role he previously held from 2019 to 2020, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. This highlights how highly Smith is regarded in NFL circles, despite the fact that his most notable success as an offensive coordinator came in Tennessee.
During his tenure with the Titans, Smith crafted an effective offense led by quarterback Ryan Tannehill, star running back Derrick Henry, and wide receiver A.J. Brown. Under his guidance, the team ranked among the top 10 in scoring in both of his seasons at the helm, showcasing his ability to develop and optimize offensive production.
The 43-year-old coach has spent the last two seasons working with the Steelers, where he saw modest progress—his unit increased its average points per game from 22.4 in 2024 to 23.4 in 2025. Throughout his tenure, he managed a diverse group of quarterbacks—including Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers, and Mason Rudolph—demonstrating his adaptability across different playing styles.
Looking ahead at Ohio State, Smith will have a talented roster at his disposal, featuring Heisman finalist Julian Sayin, who is expected to lead the Buckeyes’ offense, along with dynamic wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Last season, Ohio State made it to the College Football Playoff but was eliminated by Miami in the quarterfinals.
And this is the part most people miss—this coaching change could significantly influence Ohio State's future success, but it also sparks the debate about NFL-oriented coaching philosophies blending into college football. Do you believe hiring NFL experience like Smith’s elevates college programs, or does it risk disrupting their traditional development of young athletes? Share your thoughts and join the conversation—this topic sure is worth discussing!
