Arthur Smith is going back to school.
The former Steelers offensive coordinator is finalizing a deal to take the same position at Ohio State, according to ESPN and NFL Network.
Smith, 43, spent the past two seasons overseeing the Steelers’ offense under coach Mike Tomlin.
His unit was ranked 16th and 15th in scoring the past two seasons behind his run-heavy scheme that featured multiple tight-end formations. This season, with future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers under center, the Steelers were 25th in the NFL in yards per game at 305.6.
Smith will replace Brian Hartline, who left to take the head coach position at South Florida, and he will work under Ohio State head coach Ryan Day.
Prior to his time with the Steelers, Smith was 21-29 over four seasons as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach. Before that, he was the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans (2019-20).
Smith also has experience coaching at the college level. He was a graduate assistant at North Carolina in 2006 at age 24. Then after serving two seasons as a defensive quality assistant for the then-Washington Redskins, he was a defensive intern at Ole Miss in 2010.
He held several coaching positions with the Titans from 2011-18 before being named their offensive coordinator.
After Tomlin resigned Jan. 13, the Steelers informed all members of the coaching staff they were free to pursue other opportunities.
Smith was linked to head coach openings with the Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans.
On Tuesday, special teams coordinator Danny Smith was hired for the same position by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.