Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day is facing a significant shake-up as he searches for three new assistant coaches heading into the 2025 college football season. The team has already been grappling with player losses, including top talents like Jack Sawyer, Will Howard, Quinshon Judkins, and TreVeyon Henderson, who are entering the 2025 NFL draft. Additionally, Ohio State has been working hard to retain players like Jeremiah Smith, who have been targeted by rival programs.
Adding to the roster turnover, Day’s staff has seen three assistants depart this offseason, including both the offensive and defensive coordinators. The latest departure is offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who is leaving to become the Las Vegas Raiders’ new offensive coordinator under head coach Pete Carroll. Kelly’s contract with the Raiders is reported to be worth an average of $6 million per year, making him the highest-paid coordinator in the NFL.
Kelly’s tenure at Ohio State was brief but impactful, helping the Buckeyes secure a national title. Despite his departure, Ohio State still boasts a strong roster, offering plenty of talent for the next offensive coordinator to work with. In addition to Kelly, defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has left for Penn State, and former offensive line coach Justin Frye has joined the Arizona Cardinals.
