Ohio State is making a significant move, poised to bring in a former NFL offensive coordinator to lead their attack! The Buckeyes are reportedly in the final stages of securing Arthur Smith, who most recently served as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, to fill their offensive coordinator role. This is a big shake-up for Ohio State's coaching staff, especially after Brian Hartline, the previous offensive play-caller, was recently named the new head coach at South Florida.
Smith is no stranger to the professional football scene. He spent the last two seasons working under head coach Mike Tomlin with the Steelers. Before his stint in Pittsburgh, Smith held the reins as the head coach for the Atlanta Falcons for three seasons, where he posted a record of 21 wins and 30 losses. During his most recent season with the Steelers, the team averaged 22 points per game, ranking 15th in the NFL. While they managed to win the AFC North division, their playoff journey was cut short in the first round, with a 30-6 loss to the Houston Texans.
But here's where it gets interesting for college football fans: Smith is stepping into a situation in Columbus that is brimming with offensive talent. He'll inherit one of the most exciting returning offensive trios in the nation. We're talking about quarterback Julian Sayin, who was a Heisman finalist in his very first season as Ohio State's starter. Then there's the dynamic running back Bo Jackson, who had an impressive freshman season, rushing for 1,090 yards. And let's not forget about wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, already a two-time All-American heading into his junior year. This is a potent combination that any offensive coordinator would dream of working with!
And this is the part most people miss: The Buckeyes themselves had a strong regular season, finishing undefeated. However, they stumbled in the Big Ten championship game against Indiana and were later eliminated in the playoff quarterfinals by Miami. This suggests that while the talent was there, the execution or play-calling might have been a point of contention. Smith's arrival could be the key to unlocking that next level of consistency and success.
It's worth noting that Smith's coaching journey includes a decade as an assistant with the Tennessee Titans before he took on the head coaching role in Atlanta in 2021. His extensive experience in both college and the NFL provides a unique perspective.
Now, for the big question: Do you think Arthur Smith's NFL play-calling experience will be the perfect fit for Ohio State's star-studded offense, or will the transition prove challenging? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
