Ohio State is kicking off their offseason with a critical task at hand: finding a new defensive coordinator. This move comes after Jim Knowles’ unexpected decision to join Penn State. It’s a significant moment for the Buckeyes, considering their defense was sitting pretty at No. 1 in the FBS last season. But with eight starters leaving, whoever steps into Knowles’ shoes will have some big challenges ahead, even with a standout like Caleb Downs anchoring the defense.
The search for Knowles’ successor is officially on, and there are several intriguing candidates in the mix. Let’s break down some potential choices for the Buckeyes, starting with familiar faces and then branching out to broader possibilities. Here are a couple of internal options to ponder, before we dive into the external candidates Ohio State might consider.
First up, Jon Heacock, serving as Iowa State’s defensive coordinator. Heacock isn’t just a well-respected name in coaching circles; he’s practically family—his brother is former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Heacock. Over his nine-year tenure with Iowa State, Jon has molded his squads into tough defensive units, routinely landing in the top ranks nationally. In 2021 and 2022, his groups even cracked the top 10 in total defense. Being an Ohio native, Jon’s connection to the area and his storied track in college football make him worth a look.
Then there’s Mike Tressel, currently the defensive coordinator at Wisconsin. With a rich coaching lineage as Jim Tressel’s nephew, Mike brings both legacy and leadership to the table. His defensive schemes have consistently performed in the top 50 nationally across various stints at Wisconsin, Cincinnati, and Michigan State. He even led two top-10 defenses at MSU and another at Cincinnati. While recruiting Tressel may not cause a splash like hiring one of his superiors, his strong Ohio State ties and impressive coaching record certainly make him a solid contender.
The Buckeyes have quite the lineup of candidates to consider, a mix of homegrown talent and experienced outsider perspectives. Whoever they choose will need to blend seamlessly into the Buckeyes’ legacy and uphold the defensive prowess they’re renowned for. It’s a pivotal decision as Ohio State looks to maintain their reputation as a defensive powerhouse in the coming season.
