Ohio State’s Ryan Day Comments on New Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith
The Ohio State Buckeyes have officially announced a significant addition to their coaching staff. Arthur Smith, formerly associated with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Atlanta Falcons, has been appointed as the new offensive coordinator, taking over from Brian Hartline.
Ryan Day’s Enthusiasm for Arthur Smith
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day expressed his excitement about Smith joining the program. In a recent press release, Day welcomed Smith and highlighted his impressive background.
“We are happy to welcome Arthur, his wife Allison, and their family to Ohio State,” Day stated. “He brings immediate value to our program and was precisely what we were looking for in our next offensive coordinator.”
Day emphasized Smith’s extensive experience in coaching, specifically noting his success with quarterback development. Smith has a proven ability to connect with players both on and off the field, which will be pivotal for the Buckeyes.
Quarterback Development Expertise
Smith’s track record in the NFL includes coaching renowned quarterbacks such as Ryan Tannehill, Matt Ryan, Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ritter, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers. Under his guidance, these quarterbacks won approximately 20% more of their games compared to their records prior to his coaching.
Since 2019, Smith’s quarterbacks have achieved a winning percentage of nearly 60% in their starts. This impressive statistic highlights his capability to enhance quarterback performance at a high level.
Success with Running Backs
Smith is also noted for his achievements with running backs, having made history in the NFL. He is the only offensive coordinator or head coach to coach seven different running backs to over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in a seven-year period. These players include:
- Derek Henry (2019 and 2020)
- Cordarrelle Patterson (2021)
- Tyler Allgier (2020)
- Bijan Robinson (2023)
- Najee Harris (2024)
- Jaylen Warren (2025)
- Kenneth Gainwell (2025)
With Smith at the helm, running backs Bo Jackson and Isaiah West are anticipated to thrive under his strategies and techniques.
The Future of Ohio State Football
The addition of Smith has raised expectations for the Ohio State offense as they look ahead to the upcoming season. While college football presents unique challenges compared to the NFL, the fundamental goal remains the same: execute efficiently and develop top-tier talent.
As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how quickly Smith can implement his system and elevate the Buckeyes’ offensive performance. By September, the football community will better understand whether Smith can lead Ohio State to greater achievements this year.
