Ohio State’s offseason kicked off with a twist as Jim Knowles decided to make the switch to Penn State. With Knowles’ transition, the Buckeyes are left with some big shoes to fill, particularly on a defense that earned top billing in the FBS this past season. Even though the unit is set to replace a whopping eight starters, they retain a crown jewel in Caleb Downs, arguably the finest safety in college football.
As the Buckeyes dive into their new quest for a defensive leader, we’ve rounded up 11 intriguing candidates who could fit the bill. We’ll start by glancing over two in-house options currently on the Buckeye staff before sizing up five external candidates with coaching pedigrees or ties to Ohio State. And, of course, we’ll entertain four more wildcard picks who, despite being long shots, should still get a call from Ryan Day to gauge their interest.
Jeff Hafley, Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator
The notion of prying Hafley away from his gig in the NFL might seem distant, but it’s a call worth making. Hafley’s one and only season at Ohio State, back in 2019, had him molding the nation’s premier defense as co-defensive coordinator and lead play-caller during Day’s inaugural year as head coach. Recognized for defensive acumen both in the collegiate sphere and the NFL—as the Packers this season stood sixth for points and yards surrendered—Hafley would ensure a seemingly hiccup-free transition, thanks partly to his shared history with Day.
Luke Fickell, Wisconsin Head Coach
While it might be dream weaving to imagine Fickell back in Columbus, it’s a conversation Ohio State needs to entertain. An alum and a vital part of their defensive engine from 2005-10 and again between 2012-16, he brings to the table a storied legacy, coupled with eight years of head coaching knowledge. Although moving from a cushioned spot at Wisconsin, with a paycheck nearing $8 million by 2025, seems far-fetched, precedent isn’t unprecedented—as Ohio State showed last offseason with their audacious hire of Chip Kelly for the offensive coordinator role.
Phil Parker, Iowa Defensive Coordinator
Parker’s tenure at Iowa is as legendary as it is lengthy, having defended the fortress alongside Kirk Ferentz since 1999. Venturing elsewhere seems improbable for someone so steeped in continuity, but that’s no reason not to at least dial in and explore any latent interest. Hailing from Lorain, Ohio, Parker has time and again marshaled top-tier defenses, consistently being ranked among the top 20 for scoring defense over the past decade.
Glenn Schumann, Georgia Defensive Coordinator
Among the hottest names in the young coaching echelons, Schumann rounds out our list with credentials bolstered by Georgia’s powerhouse defenses. Balancing the act as co-defensive coordinator from 2019-23 before taking over sole responsibility, Schumann’s rise has been meteoric. Persuading him to leave Athens would be a coup, yet with Ohio State’s standing and recent poaching by Penn State, it’s at least worth testing the waters with a compelling offer.
Ohio State’s search is as critical as it is compelling, with each candidate offering a different potential vision for the future of Buckeye defense. Whoever takes the helm will have the exciting task of continuing a legacy of excellence while shaping the next chapter for this storied program.
