Although Ohio State would have preferred to retain Justin Frye after his offensive line played a pivotal role in securing the Buckeyes’ national championship last season, his departure to the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday morning has opened the door for a new offensive line coach. With Frye’s exit, Ohio State now faces the task of identifying a suitable replacement for the 2025 season.
The Buckeyes have several options, including coaches with ties to the program or the possibility of recruiting a top-tier offensive line coach from another institution. Below are eight potential candidates who could step into the role:
1. Kevin Wilson, Former Ohio State Offensive Coordinator
Kevin Wilson, who served as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator from 2017 to 2022, remains a strong candidate. Although he most recently coached tight ends during his tenure with the Buckeyes, he has extensive experience with offensive lines, having held that role at Oklahoma and Miami (Ohio). Wilson’s familiarity with head coach Ryan Day and his offensive expertise make him a logical choice. Additionally, his son Toby, a former walk-on offensive lineman at Ohio State, strengthens his connection to the program.
2. LeCharles Bentley, Former Ohio State Offensive Lineman
A fan favorite, LeCharles Bentley is a former All-American center and Rimington Trophy winner at Ohio State. While he has no prior college coaching experience, Bentley is highly respected for his work training NFL and collegiate offensive linemen. Currently serving as the NFL’s senior advisor of player performance and development, Bentley’s potential interest in the role remains uncertain, but his reputation and Buckeye background make him an intriguing option.
3. Tim Drevno, Ohio State Quality Control Coach
For continuity, Ohio State could promote Tim Drevno, who joined the staff last year as a quality control coach. Drevno brings a wealth of experience, having previously coached offensive lines at UCLA, USC, Michigan, and the San Francisco 49ers. His extensive background makes him a qualified internal candidate.
4. Joe Rudolph, Notre Dame Offensive Line Coach
Joe Rudolph, currently at Notre Dame, is widely regarded as one of the top offensive line coaches in college football. With a history at Ohio State as a graduate assistant (2004-06) and a track record of success at Wisconsin and Virginia Tech, Rudolph could be a compelling choice. His recent interview for the Chicago Bears’ offensive line coach position suggests he may be open to new opportunities.
5. Phil Trautwein, Penn State Offensive Line Coach
Phil Trautwein, who has ties to Ryan Day from their time together at Boston College, has built a strong reputation at Penn State. Over five seasons, he has significantly improved the Nittany Lions’ offensive line, culminating in a top-25 ranking in sacks allowed and rushing yards per game last season. His connections to Ohio State’s coaching staff could make him a viable candidate.
6. Glen Elarbee, Tennessee Offensive Line Coach
If recruiting is a priority, Glen Elarbee stands out as a strong option. Under his leadership, Tennessee has secured top-tier offensive line recruits, including five-star tackle David Sanders Jr. in the 2025 class. While some critics question his development track record, his recruiting prowess could appeal to Ohio State.
7. Mike Sollenne, UNLV Offensive Line Coach
Mike Sollenne, who recently joined UNLV as offensive line coach, previously worked alongside Frye as a graduate assistant at Ohio State. Known for his player development skills, Sollenne earned praise from Buckeyes players during his three-year tenure. Bringing him back could be a popular move among returning offensive linemen.
8. Chip Kelly, Ohio State Offensive Coordinator
If Chip Kelly remains at Ohio State instead of pursuing NFL opportunities, he could potentially shift roles to coach the offensive line. Kelly has prior experience in this area from his time at New Hampshire and has worked closely with offensive linemen as a coordinator. With offensive analyst Billy Fessler potentially stepping into a larger role with the quarterbacks, this transition could be a strategic option.
