The Ohio State Buckeyes are in the final stages of securing a deal to appoint former Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith as their new offensive coordinator, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. This move comes as the team prepares to replace Brian Hartline, who has been named head coach at South Florida. Smith's recent work with the Steelers under coach Mike Tomlin has been notable, as the team ranked 15th in the NFL for scoring average at 22 points per game this season. Despite their AFC North victory, the Steelers fell short in the playoffs, losing to the Houston Texans 30-6. Smith's offensive prowess is set to be a significant asset for Ohio State, who boast one of the top returning offensive trios in the country. This includes quarterback Julian Sayin, who was a Heisman finalist in his first season as a starter, and Bo Jackson, who rushed for 1,090 yards as a freshman. Additionally, wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is a two-time All-American heading into his junior season. The Buckeyes finished the regular season undefeated but faced setbacks in the Big Ten championship and the playoff quarterfinals. Smith's extensive experience as an assistant with the Tennessee Titans and his head coaching role with the Atlanta Falcons over the past decade further solidify his credentials. With Smith's appointment, Ohio State looks poised to build upon its offensive strengths and continue its success in the upcoming season.
