Ohio State reportedly names former NFL head coach as next OC

Ohio State is looking for a new offensive coordinator for its college football program, and it seems that they went to the NFL ranks to find their man.

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According to ESPN Insider Adam Schefterformer head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers OC Arthur Smith is close to reaching an agreement to be the Buckeyes’ next offensive coordinator.

The big ten Powerhouse’s decision to go with Smith comes after their former offensive coordinator Brian Hartline accepted the head coaching position at South Florida.

Smith brings NFL experience to the college game

Smith was previously the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons for three seasons from 2021 to 2023 and during his tenure with the team, the Falcons compiled a record of 21-30 and failed to reach the playoffs only once. according to ESPN.

<p>July 25, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith talks with quarterback Aaron Rodgers at Saint Vincent College training camp. Mandatory credit: Images by Barry Reeger-Imagn</p>
<p>” loading=”lazy” width=”960″ height=”640″ decoding=”async” data-nimg=”1″ class=”standard-img” style=”color:transparent” src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yMgEFIBEE7rDZx4tPZoa4A–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0 MDtjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_big_lead_articles_114/9f35c8bacabc499dabfa071e05666da9″/><button aria-label= — July 25, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith talks with quarterback Aaron Rodgers at Saint Vincent College training camp. Mandatory credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

More recently, Smith had been the CO of the Pittsburgh Steelers for the past two years and also held the same role with the Tennessee Titans during the 2019 and 2020 campaigns, before taking over as head coach in Atlanta.

And next football season, Smith, 43, is expected to run the offense for an Ohio State team. led by stars like WR Jeremiah Smith and QB Julian Sayin.