The Hires
Three hires.
Three hires.
Same problem.
Ryan Day picked his play-caller, his defensive coordinator and his line coach. Here's what they've delivered when it matters.
01 · Offensive coordinator · since 2026
NFL record ↗ (opens in a new tab) Career ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Arthur Smith
21–30
NFL head coaching record
0
NFL playoff trips as head coach
0
college games coached before 2026
- Fired by Atlanta after three straight 7–10 seasons.
- His first big test at Ohio State: a 23–3 lead at Texas became a 24–23 loss. Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Then: never led at USC, and a 14–0 lead against Oregon became a 41–28 loss. Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Fair context: Ohio State has scored 28 or more in six of nine games. The problem is the games that decide seasons. Scores ↗ (opens in a new tab)
02 · Defensive coordinator · since 2025
Career ↗ (opens in a new tab) Hire ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Matt Patricia
13–29–1
NFL head coaching record
5
losses as Ohio State's DC
4
of them away or at neutral sites
| Game | Site | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana, Big Ten title (2025) | Neutral | L 13–10 |
| Miami, Cotton Bowl (2025) | Neutral | L 24–14 |
| at Texas (2026) | Away | L 24–23 |
| at USC (2026) | Away | L 30–18 |
| Oregon (2026) | Home | L 41–28 |
- USC: a 69-yard touchdown run on the second snap. 30 points allowed, the most in 31 games. Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Oregon: 41 points in Columbus. Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Fair context: his 2025 defense was one of the best in the country during the regular season. It hasn't held up in the biggest games. Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
03 · Offensive line · since 2025
Career ↗ (opens in a new tab) Offensive line ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Tyler Bowen
6
sacks allowed, 2025 regular season
10
sacks allowed in the last two games
21
pressures allowed at USC
- Indiana and Miami each sacked Ohio State five times as the 2025 season ended. Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- In 2026, injuries have left the line short-handed for stretches. Indiana sacked Ohio State four times. Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- At USC, the line allowed 21 pressures. Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Fair context: most of the starters were recruited by his predecessor, Justin Frye, and Bowen's own recruiting has drawn praise. The issue is how the line holds up in big games. Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)
If Day stays,
the staff goes.
That's the minimum. Tell the athletic director in two minutes.