Smith, who most recently spent two seasons as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator, brings 17 years of NFL experience to the Buckeyes. His extensive résumé includes coaching stops with the Washington Commanders, Tennessee Titans, Falcons and Steelers.
“We are happy to welcome Arthur, his wife Allison and their family to Ohio State,” Day said in a statement. “He will bring immediate value to our program. His track record in the NFL, experience as a play caller and head coach checked every box during the search.”
Smith’s offensive units have consistently performed among the NFL’s most balanced. He is the only offensive coordinator or head coach in modern league history to oversee seven consecutive seasons with a 1,000-yard rusher, a list that includes Derrick Henry, Cordarrelle Patterson, Bijan Robinson and Najee Harris.
During his two years in Pittsburgh, Smith helped revive the Steelers’ attack. The team improved in total offense, rushing and scoring, climbing to 22.4 points per game in 2025 — up from 17.9 the year before — while quarterback Aaron Rodgers posted his best completion rate and fewest interceptions in five seasons. The Steelers closed last season on a four-game surge to win the AFC North and reach the playoffs.
Before joining Pittsburgh, Smith served three seasons as Atlanta’s head coach, where his teams ranked among the league’s best in rushing and offensive discipline. Under his guidance, young stars Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Bijan Robinson each set franchise rookie records.
Smith’s most successful run came in Tennessee, where he coordinated one of the NFL’s top offenses from 2019 to 2020. The Titans ranked second in total offense in 2020, powered by Henry’s 2,027-yard rushing campaign. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill earned a Pro Bowl selection after leading the league in passer rating under Smith’s coaching.
A Memphis native and former offensive lineman at North Carolina, Smith began his NFL career in 2007 as a defensive quality control coach with Washington before rising through the ranks in Tennessee. He and his wife, Allison, have three children.
