One of the more intriguing names connected to the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator search has officially come off the board.
According to CBS Sports and college football insider Matt Zenitz, Ohio State is expected to hire former Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith as its new offensive coordinator. The move would bring Smith back into a high-profile play-calling role after spending the past two seasons as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator.
Advertisement
“Ohio State is expected to hire Arthur Smith as its new offensive coordinator, sources tell @CBSSports,” Zenitz reported. “Smith, who was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2021-23, was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ OC the last two seasons.”
Detroit Lions Ohio State Arthur Smith
A Name That Popped Up in Detroit’s Search
Before the Lions ultimately hired Drew Petzing, Smith’s name had quietly surfaced among league circles as a potential candidate. Detroit cast a wide net in its OC search, interviewing multiple experienced play-callers with NFL and college backgrounds, and Smith’s resume made him a logical possibility.
Smith is best known for his work as the Tennessee Titans’ offensive coordinator from 2019-20, when he helped engineer a dominant, play-action-heavy attack built around Derrick Henry and Ryan Tannehill. That success led to his hiring as head coach of the Falcons, where he went 21-30 over three seasons while overseeing a young, rebuilding roster.
Advertisement
After being let go by Atlanta, Smith resurfaced in Pittsburgh, where he worked with a rotating quarterback room and a run-heavy offense. While the Steelers’ unit was inconsistent, Smith’s reputation as a scheme designer and run-game architect remained intact around the league.
Why Ohio State Makes Sense
For Ohio State, landing Smith represents a major splash. The Buckeyes are expected to lean into a more pro-style, physical offensive approach, and Smith’s background fits that mold perfectly. His experience developing tight ends, designing play-action concepts, and building efficient rushing attacks could be a major asset in Columbus.
It also gives Smith a chance to reset his career in a pressure-packed but talent-rich environment, calling plays for one of the most loaded rosters in college football.
The post Detroit Lions OC Candidate Lands at Ohio State appeared first on Detroit Sports Nation.