Ohio State’s national championship run was propelled by its assistant coaches, but now the Buckeyes face a coaching shake-up. After leading the top defense, Jim Knowles left for Penn State, while offensive line coach Justin Frye joined the Arizona Cardinals. Now, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly is heading back to the NFL, marking a significant move after his successful stint at Ohio State.
Kelly’s $6 million salary, which exceeds that of some NFL head coaches, makes his return to the NFL a logical step. This is the third consecutive offseason that Ryan Day will need to hire or promote a new offensive coordinator.
The Search for the New Offensive Coordinator
Familiar Faces:
• Kevin Wilson: A natural candidate to replace Kelly, Wilson has a strong track record, having helped develop top quarterbacks like Dwayne Haskins, Justin Fields, and C.J. Stroud. He’s previously worked as an offensive line coach and could take over both roles to free up another spot for Day’s staff.
• Brian Hartline: Though Hartline was technically Ohio State’s offensive coordinator in 2023, Day took over play-calling duties during the season. Hartline, a highly regarded recruiter and wide receiver coach, is on the rise in the coaching ranks and might be ready for a bigger role. A co-coordinator position with Wilson could allow Hartline to develop as a play-caller.
Possible Outside Candidates:
• Jason Candle: The Toledo head coach has had great success in the MAC, winning multiple conference titles. He was previously on Ohio State’s radar before they hired Bill O’Brien.
• Joe Moorhead: Currently the Akron head coach, Moorhead previously served as an offensive coordinator at Penn State and Oregon, where his offenses were among the best in the Big Ten. His experience could be valuable for Ohio State.
Longshot Candidates:
• Tom Herman: Although Herman’s departure from Ohio State in 2014 was controversial, he was a successful offensive coordinator for the Buckeyes during their 2014 national title run. However, his current struggles as head coach at Florida Atlantic make this a less likely option.
• Jeff Nixon: With extensive experience coaching in the NFL and at Baylor, Nixon could bring valuable expertise to Ohio State’s offense. His success at Syracuse last year, particularly with a former Ohio State quarterback, showcases his ability to work with top talent.
Potential Revenge Hire:
• Andy Kotelnicki: Currently the offensive coordinator at Penn State, Kotelnicki has had success at every stop as a coordinator. His ability to make the most of limited offensive talent could make him an intriguing option, particularly if Day wants to strike back at James Franklin by poaching his coordinator.
