In January 2026, Arthur Smith, a former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, is set to transition from the NFL to college football by taking a position as Ohio State's offensive coordinator. This move comes after Smith received various inquiries from NFL teams regarding coaching vacancies, including interest from the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans. However, instead of pursuing opportunities in the professional league, Smith has chosen to work under Ohio State head coach Ryan Day. He joins Matt Patricia, another ex-NFL head coach who currently serves as the team's defensive coordinator. Smith's prior experience includes a successful tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans, which made him a sought-after candidate for offensive roles within the NFL this season. The Ohio State Buckeyes have a strong returning roster for the upcoming season, featuring quarterback Julian Sayin, a Heisman Trophy finalist, along with running back Bo Jackson and wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. They are coming off a top-30 offense season despite the departure of Brian Hartline, the former offensive coordinator who accepted the head coach position at USF. Smith's hiring signifies a new chapter for Ohio State, who aims to build upon their recent successes in college football. Despite extensive interest from NFL franchises, Smith's return to the college level marks a significant career shift, reflecting both an emphasis on collegiate competition and the potential to leverage Ohio State's resources for future achievements in college football.