The confetti has barely settled from Ohio State’s national championship victory, but Ryan Day isn’t taking a moment to rest. The Buckeyes’ head coach has been in overdrive, working to rebuild his coaching staff after some major departures that shook up the program.
Chip Kelly, the offensive mastermind, and Jim Knowles, the architect of Ohio State’s defense, have both left for new opportunities—leaving Day with massive shoes to fill. He wasted no time promoting Brian Hartline to offensive coordinator, ensuring continuity in a high-powered attack. But the coaching carousel in Columbus is still spinning.
Another Major Promotion: Keenan Bailey Takes the Next Step
According to ESPN insider Pete Thamel, Ohio State has elevated tight ends coach Keenan Bailey to co-offensive coordinator—a significant move that further solidifies the team’s offensive brain trust.
Bailey, who has been with the Buckeyes since 2016, has climbed the coaching ranks thanks to his deep football knowledge and elite player development skills. His work with the tight end unit has been nothing short of impressive, and now he’ll take on an even bigger role, helping Hartline craft dynamic game plans and keeping Ohio State’s offense at the top of the college football landscape.
The Road to a Repeat: Can Ohio State Overcome Key Losses?
The 2025 season presents a new set of challenges for the defending champions. Several key offensive stars have declared for the NFL Draft, leaving holes that need to be filled. But the biggest question mark? A new quarterback under center.
With Will Howard moving on, all eyes are on Julian Sayin, the talented but untested quarterback expected to take over the starting role. Sayin has the tools to succeed, but it will be up to Day, Hartline, and now Bailey to ensure he’s fully prepared for the bright lights of college football’s biggest stage.
While Bailey’s promotion doesn’t overhaul the structure of the offense—Hartline will still handle play-calling duties—it does add another highly respected football mind to the mix. His primary role will be to assist in game planning, helping the Buckeyes stay one step ahead of their competition every week.
A Tight End Room to Watch: Enter Max Klare
Beyond his new responsibilities, Bailey will continue working closely with the tight end corps, which just received a major boost. Ohio State landed Purdue transfer Max Klare, a dynamic playmaker who could give the Buckeyes an added dimension in the passing game. With Klare in the mix, Bailey’s unit has the potential to become a bigger focal point of the offense than ever before.
The Countdown to 2025 Begins
Ohio State fans are already buzzing with anticipation for next season. The coaching staff is taking shape, and the pieces are falling into place for another title run. Can the Buckeyes overcome their roster changes and defend their crown?
One thing’s for sure—with Ryan Day at the helm, Ohio State isn’t just reloading. They’re ready to dominate.
