Ohio State football has made a key move to strengthen its coaching staff, hiring Tyler Bowen, the offensive coordinator from Virginia Tech, as the Buckeyes’ new offensive line coach. Bowen’s hire comes after Ohio State lost both its offensive coordinators, Chip Kelly and Jim Knowles, as well as its former offensive line coach Justin Frye.
Bowen, who has a strong background as a play-caller and offensive line coach, will fill the void left by Frye, who departed for a position with the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Ryan Day’s decision to bring Bowen on board is rooted in his extensive experience coaching the offensive line while also excelling in developing offensive talent.
Bowen’s resume includes a successful stint at Penn State, where he served as co-offensive coordinator and helped develop standout tight ends, including Pat Freiermuth, who scored eight touchdowns in 2020. He also recruited future NFL talents like Tyler Warren and offensive lineman Olu Fashanu, who was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Before his tenure at Virginia Tech, Bowen also spent a season with the Jacksonville Jaguars as a tight ends coach, working under former Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer. Bowen’s ability to blend coaching tight ends and offensive linemen will be a valuable asset for Ohio State as it looks to build a dynamic and effective offensive line in the upcoming season.
With the Buckeyes set to lose top pass protector Josh Simmons to the NFL Draft, Bowen will be tasked with rebuilding the offensive line and continuing to develop Ohio State’s reputation for producing elite offensive talent.