After securing a National Championship, Ryan Day and the Ohio State Buckeyes face the challenge of replacing both coordinators. Jim Knowles has moved on to become the highest-paid assistant at Penn State, while Chip Kelly is heading back to the NFL as Pete Carroll’s offensive coordinator in Las Vegas. They also lost offensive line coach Justin Frye to the Arizona Cardinals, leaving some sizable gaps to fill on the coaching roster.
Who Steps In as the Next Offensive Coordinator?
Ohio State’s coaching staff holds some of the most coveted positions in college football, and with Day needing to reload, the Buckeyes are faced with the essential task of finding the right fit. The team will be introducing a new starting quarterback next season, but they boast a roster brimming with talent, including standout wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, who ranks among the top players in college football.
Day, who has orchestrated offensive success with his play-calling acumen before, might want to stick with focusing on his broader responsibilities as head coach. The strategy worked wonders in bringing home the championship. Now, let’s dive into the list of potential candidates for the offensive coordinator role in Columbus.
Brian Hartline
Labelled as possibly the best wide receivers coach in the country, Brian Hartline is no stranger to this role. He held the title back in 2023 and if Day opts to run the offense himself, Hartline could naturally step into the promotion. Whether he takes on play-calling duties is yet to be determined, but Hartline’s value to the Buckeyes is immense. He’s not only a critical part of ensuring Ohio State retains its edge but also a favorite among players and fans. Elevating Hartline might just be the key to keeping him in Columbus.
