Breaking: Ohio State return legend as offensive coordinator coach official announcement imminent

The Return of Troy Smith

Columbus, Ohio – Spring 2025

The brisk spring air danced through Ohio Stadium as Buckeyes fans filed into the Horseshoe, buzzing with excitement. But this wasn’t an ordinary spring game. The crowd was here to witness the homecoming of a legend — Heisman Trophy winner and Ohio State great, Troy Smith, who was set to make his coaching debut as the Buckeyes’ new offensive coordinator.

A New Chapter

When the announcement was made during the offseason that Troy Smith would be returning to Ohio State in a coaching capacity, the reaction was immediate. For a generation of Buckeyes fans, Smith wasn’t just a quarterback; he was the quarterback. The architect of countless memorable victories, including that unforgettable win over Michigan in 2006, he embodied everything it meant to wear scarlet and gray.

But this was no nostalgia hire. Smith had been quietly building a coaching résumé ever since his playing days ended, gaining experience in the Canadian Football League and working as a quarterbacks coach at various programs. Most recently, he’d served as the offensive coordinator for the University of Akron, where he transformed their offense from a bottom-tier unit to one of the most explosive in the MAC.

Now, he was ready for the big stage. And Ohio State was ready for him.

Reconnecting with the Program

In his first press conference, Smith couldn’t help but smile. “This place made me who I am,” he said, looking out at the room full of reporters, many of whom had covered his playing days. “To have the chance to come back and give something back to Ohio State? It’s the greatest honor of my career.”

Smith’s hiring came at a critical time. Ohio State had just endured a disappointing season by their standards, missing out on the Big Ten Championship and the College Football Playoff. Head coach Ryan Day knew he needed to make a change on offense, something to shake up the playbook and reignite the explosive potential the Buckeyes were known for.

“Troy brings a unique perspective,” Day explained. “He’s not only been on the field in the biggest moments, but he also understands the culture of this program. He knows what it takes to win here, and he has the vision to bring this offense to a new level.”

An Explosive Offense Takes Shape

Smith’s impact was immediate. During spring practices, he brought a fiery energy to the field. He was hands-on, spending extra time with the quarterbacks, refining their mechanics, and teaching them the nuances of reading defenses. It was clear that Smith’s approach wasn’t just about drawing up clever plays; it was about creating a mindset.

“The biggest thing he’s taught us is confidence,” said sophomore quarterback Dylan Thomas, who was slated to be the starter for the upcoming season. “He’s always reminding us of the standard here. He knows what it’s like to be in our shoes, and that makes all the difference.”

Smith’s offense, a dynamic blend of pro-style concepts with modern spread elements, quickly became the talk of the town. He introduced new formations, complex route combinations, and a fast-paced tempo that kept the defense on its heels. During one spring practice open to the media, Smith’s unit ran a perfect two-minute drill that ended with a deep touchdown pass. As the players celebrated, Smith calmly walked over to the quarterback and offered a few words of advice, always coaching, always teaching.

The Spring Game

The first real test of Smith’s influence came during the annual spring game. The Scarlet vs. Gray matchup had always been a fan favorite, but this year, the excitement was at a fever pitch. Fans packed the Horseshoe, eager to see what the offense would look like under Smith’s guidance.

It didn’t take long for the fireworks to begin. On the opening drive, the offense marched down the field with a series of quick passes and outside zone runs, capped off by a perfectly timed play-action strike over the middle for a touchdown. The crowd erupted, and Smith, standing on the sideline with his headset on, couldn’t hide a small smile.

Throughout the game, Smith’s offense showed off its versatility. There were designed quarterback runs reminiscent of his playing days, mixed in with complex RPO (run-pass option) plays that kept the defense guessing. The players were clearly having fun, playing with a confidence and swagger that had been missing in recent seasons.

A Hero’s Welcome

After the game, as the fans began to file out, a chant broke out: “Troy! Troy! Troy!” It started in the student section and quickly spread throughout the stadium. Smith, who was making his way to the tunnel, paused and looked up at the crowd, raising his hand in acknowledgment.

Later, in the locker room, Coach Day addressed the team. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We’ve got a long road ahead, but if we keep working like we did today, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish.”

He turned to Smith. “Troy, why don’t you say a few words?”

Smith stepped forward, looking around at the players. He saw the same fire in their eyes that he had once felt, the same hunger to prove themselves on the biggest stage.

“I’ve been in your shoes,” Smith said, his voice steady and strong. “I’ve felt the pressure of wearing this jersey, representing this university, and facing the expectations that come with it. But I’ve also felt the pride of victory, of knowing that when we play as one, there’s no team in the country that can stop us.”

He paused, letting the words sink in.

“Ohio State football isn’t just about X’s and O’s. It’s about heart. It’s about fighting for every inch, every yard. And if you give me everything you’ve got, I promise you this: we’ll make memories here that will last a lifetime.”

The room erupted in applause, players banging their fists against their lockers, coaches nodding in agreement. The energy was electric.

The Season Ahead

As the team broke the huddle, it was clear that this wasn’t

just a spring game. It was the beginning of a new era. An