Arthur Smith, former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator, detailed his decision to join Ohio State in the same role. He cited respect for head coach Ryan Day and conversations with former players as key factors. The move came after the Steelers parted ways with much of their coaching staff following Mike Tomlin's departure.
Arthur Smith revealed the reasons behind his move from the NFL to college football, accepting the offensive coordinator position at Ohio State. Smith, who joined the Steelers in 2024 and helped improve their offense despite challenges, left with most of head coach Mike Tomlin's staff this offseason after Tomlin stepped away. The Steelers had reached the playoffs, but the cycle ended abruptly for the team. “First, most importantly, was the respect I have for Coach [Ryan] Day,” Smith said Tuesday on Eleven Warriors’ YouTube channel. “He reached out, we had a good conversation, came down here and spent some time with him, weighed my options.” Smith, who had not coached at the college level since 2010, consulted several people with Ohio State ties. These included Mike Vrabel, a former Buckeye player from 1993 to 1996 and assistant coach there from 2011 to 2013. Vrabel and Smith worked together with the Tennessee Titans from 2018 to 2020. Smith also spoke with Ohio State alumni he coached on the Steelers, such as quarterback Will Howard and defensive end Jack Sawyer, whom Pittsburgh drafted last year. Both were instrumental in Ohio State's 2024 national championship victory. Additionally, Smith discussed the opportunity with former Buckeye quarterback Justin Fields, whom he coached in Pittsburgh in 2024. Reports indicated Smith favored Fields over Russell Wilson for the starting role. Despite interviewing for NFL offensive coordinator and head coaching jobs, Smith said the Ohio State opportunity stood out. “Not really. Just weighed my options... But Coach Day was awesome,” he noted when asked if college coaching was initially on his radar. “I’ve had such a good experience with some of the players that have come through here... It just made sense,” Smith added.
