Ryan Day made the decision to hire Arthur Smith as Ohio State's offensive coordinator once Brian Hartline left. Hartline decided to become a head coach at South Florida. Smith was previously the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers before making the move to Columbus.
Smith had a chance to stay in the NFL if he wanted. Other teams were calling him about a possible job after the Steelers decided to turn over their entire coaching staff. Yet, Smith wanted to coach the Buckeyes. He revealed why he thought Ohio State was the best place for him.
Arthur Smith sings Ohio State's praises in recent interview
While speaking with On3's Chris Low, Smith talked about the reasons he wanted to coach the Ohio State Buckeyes over staying in the NFL.
"When you’re looking at the draft or when you’re trying to map out the next season’s free agency and needs … all that stuff is very similar now in the college game."
Smith clearly wanted to be with Day once he explained what Ohio State is all about. It will also offer Smith the ability to impact young men, which he said in the past was important for him. Smith also wasn't quite the hottest offensive coordinator in the NFL once Mike Tomlin was fired.
If Smith is able to coach Ohio State's offense well enough to win a national championship, he could find himself with more job offers in the NFL. The same thing happened with Chip Kelly the year after he helped the Buckeyes win the national championship in 2024.
Smith has multiple years on his contract, so he could stay in Columbus for a while. Coaching Jeremiah Smith for one year was certainly enticing to Smith, as well. He likes what the entire university has to offer him and his family.
Ohio State could have the best offense in the country
With the Buckeyes having both Smith and Julian Sayin return as starters, they could have the best offense in the country. They have seven returning starters on that side of the ball, including four offensive linemen. Smith is tasked with making the unit more elite than they were a year ago.
So far in camp, Smith has been focused on helping the Buckeyes get more yards after the catch. That means a lot more pre-snap motion to get the receivers in more advantageous positions. They could end up having a more dangerous offense strictly by getting better matchups.
Of course, Smith is excellent at scheming up run plays, too. He has worked with Derrick Henry, Bijan Robinson, and Jaylen Warren over the last few years in the NFL. Henry was perhaps the best running back in the league when Smith was calling plays for him. Robinson was maybe the most dynamic weapon of any player, too.
That's good news for Bo Jackson and the rest of the running backs. Ohio State is at its best when they run the ball well, and Day has noted that several times in the past.
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