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Arthur Smith Leaving Steelers For Ohio State Offensive Coordinator Job In Surprise Move

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Arthur Smith

Arthur Smith has a new job.

Just not in the NFL.

The Steelers offensive coordinator is expected to leave the pro ranks to take the same job at Ohio State, according to multiple reports on Saturday.

5a8289c8ce3c6de94b7c5b92a5a7f1e5Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Arthur Smith reacts in the fourth quarter of the Steelers’ AFC home wild card playoff loss to the Texans at Acrisure Stadium on Jan. 12, 2026. Getty Images

That means Mike McCarthy, who verbally agreed to become the next Steelers head coach on Saturday afternoon, will have to find a key assistant coach before the offseason is over.

Smith previously interviewed with the Chargers for their offensive coordinator job — before Mike McDaniel appeared primed to take the job — and reportedly talked with the Titans about joining new head coach Robert Saleh’s staff.

Smith served as Tennessee’s offensive coordinator in 2019-20 under Mike Vrabel.

Now, though, it appears Smith is heading to the Big Ten to team up with Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day.

Smith has had two small stints at the college level, one season (2006) as a graduate assistant with North Carolina and another in 2010 as a defensive quality control coach with Ole Miss.

In his second year with the Steelers, the team finished 15th in the NFL in points per game (23.4) and 25th in yards (305.6).

5f2bcc3196267a28e74f54db15aad409Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and head coach Mike Tomlin after the Steelers’ home win over the Ravens on Jan. 4, 2026 in the final game of the season to earn a playoff berth. Getty Images

Aaron Rodgers, in his first and possibly only season with Pittsburgh, finished with 3,322 passing yards on a 65.7 completion rate with 24 touchdown passes.

Pittsburgh was bounced in the wild-card round of the playoffs in a 30-6 loss in a game where its offense struggled against the vaunted Texans defense.

Before his two seasons with the Steelers, Smith was the head coach of the Falcons for three years, finishing with identical 7-10 records in each campaign. His offenses in Atlanta never ranked better than 15th in points in a full season.

Smith will replace Brian Hartline, who left Ohio State to become the head coach at South Florida.

North Carolina previously eyed Smith to become its next head coach before hiring Bill Belichick, ESPN reported last year.

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