In the wake of the news of Mike McCarthy‘s agreement to become the next head coach of the Steelers, Pittsburgh’s incumbent offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has some plans of his own. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Smith is expected to be named the next offensive coordinator at Ohio State. 
This marks a departure not only from Pittsburgh – as could be expected – but the NFL coaching ranks altogether. Smith received a head coaching interview request from the Cardinals as part of their ongoing search. He also spoke with the Titans before Robert Saleh was hired. Even in the absence of a second NFL HC opportunity, Smith loomed as an offensive coordinator candidate elsewhere in the league.
The 43-year-old interviewed with the Chargers and Titans for their respective OC vacancies. Tennessee’s remains open at this time, but instead of a potential return Smith will now spend at least one season at the college level. He is the latest veteran coach to join Ryan Day‘s Buckeyes staff.
Diana Russini of The Athletic notes Smith had been in contact with the Titans but also the Eagles. Philadelphia moved on from Kevin Patullo after the team’s wild-card loss in a decision which came as no surprise. The team does not have a replacement in place at this time, and Smith had not previously been linked to Philadelphia’s OC gig or any other positions under Nick Sirianni.
After a lengthy run on the Titans’ staff in a number of roles, Smith was promoted to offensive coordinator. He held that position for two years and parlayed his time leading Tennessee’s offense into a head coaching opportunity. Smith guided the Falcons for three seasons, posting a 7-10 record each year. Upon being fired, he immediately landed another OC gig by joining Mike Tomlin and the Steelers in 2024.
Pittsburgh posted similar numbers on offense this season with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback as the team did with a combination of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields under center. Once Tomlin stepped aside, the door was opened to widespread staff changes during this year’s hiring cycle. Smith’s departure confirms the Steelers will be among the teams hiring a new offensive coordinator in the near future. He handled play-calling duties during his Pittsburgh tenure, but it would come as no surprise if McCarthy did so upon arrival.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.
Plot twist
All the 2nd stringers rejoice! They’re about to be heavily featured next season lol
Hahhaha HUZZAHH
Jeremiah Smith, get ready to block buddy.
Kidding aside, it’s still insane that two relatively recent NFL head coaches are Ohio State’s coordinators now.
It’s funny how that hack Michael Lombardi likes to pretend North Carolina is the 33rd franchise yet they are garbage while the Ohio State has the true NFL coaching staff and talent
Some clown named Mike Lombardi said our coach was the worst in the league. – Jason Kelce
He’s going to find a way to not target Jeremiah Smith.
Nice way to ruin Jeremiah Smith’s final season with team.
If McCarthy is calling offensive plays next season, get ready for schemes that were already old hat and predictable ten years ago.
O – H …
I-O!
Let me correct that for you. O-H-N-O !!!
Why does it always take a group effort from Ohio fans to spell their state name? It’s only 4 letters, 2 of them the same letter.
Mist be that quality Ohio edgacashun 🤣
You can’t spell Uh-Oh…or Ho…without that O-H, ya know
Jets and Mets fans of the Midwest
@Spitballer: I think Jets, Mets, and Ohio State fans will all take offense to that, so bravo.
Hey Wolverine man, maybe try going one season without having your coaching staff cheating on the field or sleeping with women that aren’t their wives.
Will Jonnu Smith retire and reunite with Arthur Smith? Better yet, imagine Jonnu Smith and Zack Gentry becoming assistants with Arthur.
He’s leaving the Steelers for Ohio State? So there’s not really a drop in talent level then. I don’t mean that a slight to the Steelers, it’s just that Ohio State is consistently that good. They’ve been an NFL wide receiver & linebacker factory for what seems like forever.
Jeremiah Smith has entered the portal …
Good thing the portal closed
HEY TAMMELIND, THERE IS ALSO A TEAM IN OHIO,called OHIO UNIVERSITY AND OHIO ST. two different teams. JUST LIKE FLORIDA U, AND FLORIDA ST AND MIAMI FLA
I graduated from Ohio University and can confirm it’s a pet peeve of everyone when you think OSU and OU are the same place
Matt Patricia coming to Ohio State to run the defense has worked wonders, but Im not sure what Ryan Day is thinking here bringing in Smith to run the offense. Arthur Smith might be a veteran play caller, but he isnt good.
Career advancement is overrated. Arthur will eventually work himself down the ladder and secure the HC job at Georgetown Prep School 🙂