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.
Top Candidates
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.
Kevin Wilson
Day might just find an old ally in Kevin Wilson, his former offensive coordinator, who is now available after his run as Tulsa’s head coach. Wilson knows Columbus inside out from his previous six-year stint and brings a wealth of experience. Even if Ohio State looks elsewhere, Wilson could return as a mentor to Hartline or whoever takes the offensive reins.
Andy Kotelnicki
If Penn State’s poaching of Ohio State’s top assistant was a jab, consider Kotelnicki a potential counterpunch. Known as one of college football’s brilliant offensive minds, his journey with Lance Leipold, spanning from Wisconsin-Whitewater to Kansas, culminated in a strong play-calling performance during Penn State’s Playoff run. Luring him from Happy Valley might require a lucrative offer, but the role could be tempting given Ohio State’s championship status.
Joe Moorhead
Currently Akron’s head coach, Joe Moorhead finds himself on shaky ground with a rocky 10-28 record. This could spur Moorhead to return to his offensive coordinating roots. With notable tenures at Penn State and Oregon that earned him a Broyles Award nomination, Moorhead is a known entity to Ohio State, having faced them down as an opponent. His roots in the Midwest make him an intriguing option if Day wants to entrust more offensive control to his coordinator.
Neal Brown
Despite an uneven tenure as West Virginia’s head coach, Neal Brown remains well-respected as a play-caller. His ability to craft formidable offenses, like leading the Power Five in rushing yards per game in 2022, could be just what Ohio State needs. Brown’s connections across the nation are invaluable for recruiting, and his link with former player CJ Donaldson, now with the Buckeyes, adds another layer of intrigue to his candidacy.
Collin Klein
With an affinity for former Kansas State quarterbacks, Collin Klein might catch Day’s eye. Klein shone as Kansas State’s offensive coordinator and played a pivotal role in quarterback development there. His current venture at Texas A&M had its ups and downs, but a successful stint at Ohio State could propel him to the front of head coaching opportunities.
Dirk Koetter
Bringing tons of experience from both the NFL and college levels, Dirk Koetter is a name that embodies football wisdom. Back at Boise State, Koetter played a key role in the team’s offensive success. While he doesn’t have direct Big Ten experience, his seasoned approach might be the steady hand Day needs with so many key turnover areas elsewhere in the staff. If Koetter harbors head coaching ambitions, a successful run with the Buckeyes could be his ticket.
With a range of talented coaches at his disposal, Ryan Day’s decision on who steps into the critical role of offensive coordinator could shape the next era of Buckeye football. But rest assured, this isn’t just for today’s wins; it’s about crafting tomorrow’s legends on the field of play.
