Ohio State is once again searching for a new offensive coordinator, marking the third time in two years. After Ryan Day decided to step back from play-calling duties last season, he initially hired Bill O’Brien to lead the offense and coach the quarterbacks. However, O’Brien left after just three weeks to become the head coach at Boston College. Day then brought in Chip Kelly, who helped the Buckeyes win a national championship in his only season. Now, Kelly is moving to the NFL to serve as the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders.
With Day expected to continue in a CEO-style role rather than taking back play-calling responsibilities, finding the right person to lead Ohio State’s offense in 2025 is critical. This decision is even more important as the Buckeyes will have a first-time starting quarterback, a new offensive line coach, and a new defensive coordinator next season.
The opportunity to coordinate Ohio State’s offense is highly attractive, given the team’s recent national championship victory and its abundance of offensive talent, including star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. Below are six potential candidates who could step into the role.
1. Kevin Wilson, Former Ohio State Offensive Coordinator
Kevin Wilson is a strong candidate to replace Chip Kelly, given his successful history as an offensive coordinator. He previously worked with Ryan Day at Ohio State from 2017 to 2022, during which the Buckeyes consistently ranked among the nation’s top offenses. Wilson could potentially fill dual roles as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, or focus solely on coordinating the offense while another coach handles the offensive line.
Wilson has experience coaching quarterbacks from his time at Miami (Ohio) and Northwestern, but Ohio State might also consider promoting Billy Fessler to oversee the quarterbacks. Wilson’s familiarity with the program and his proven success make him a logical fit for the role.
2. Brian Hartline, Ohio State Co-Offensive Coordinator
Brian Hartline, who served as co-offensive coordinator in 2023, is another internal candidate worth considering. Promoting Hartline could help Ohio State retain him long-term, given his reputation as one of college football’s top wide receivers coaches. However, the question remains whether Day is ready to entrust Hartline with play-calling duties.
One possible solution would be to pair Hartline with a more experienced play-caller while giving him greater involvement in game planning. This approach could balance Hartline’s strengths with the need for seasoned leadership in play-calling.
3. Jason Candle, Toledo Head Coach
Jason Candle, the head coach at Toledo, has deep ties to Ohio and a strong offensive background. He previously served as Toledo’s offensive coordinator before taking over as head coach in 2016. While his teams have consistently ranked among the MAC’s best offenses, Toledo’s production dipped slightly in 2024.
Candle’s head coaching experience and Ohio roots make him a compelling candidate, and he would likely be a more affordable hire compared to Chip Kelly.
4. Joe Moorhead, Akron Head Coach
Joe Moorhead, currently the head coach at Akron, has a proven track record as an offensive coordinator at Penn State and Oregon. Despite struggling in his current role at Akron, Moorhead’s past success and familiarity with the Big Ten make him a viable option.
Moorhead’s connection to Billy Fessler, who worked under him at Akron, could also facilitate a smooth transition to Ohio State.
5. Jeff Nixon, Syracuse Offensive Coordinator
If Ryan Day prioritizes NFL experience, Jeff Nixon could be an intriguing choice. Nixon spent nearly 15 years as an NFL position coach before becoming Syracuse’s offensive coordinator in 2024. In his first season, he helped quarterback Kyle McCord set the ACC’s single-season passing record and led Syracuse to a top-10 offense nationally.
Nixon also has a prior connection to Day, as both were part of Chip Kelly’s staff with the San Francisco 49ers in 2016.
6. Will Stein, Oregon Offensive Coordinator
Will Stein, who orchestrated one of the nation’s most explosive offenses at Oregon in 2024, is another candidate to watch. His offense was one of the few to find success against Ohio State’s top-ranked defense last season.
While it’s unclear whether Stein or Ohio State would have mutual interest, his $1.4 million salary at Oregon is within Ohio State’s reach if they decide to pursue him.
As Ohio State begins its search, these six candidates stand out as potential fits to lead the Buckeyes’ offense in 2025. Each brings unique strengths and experiences that could help maintain the program’s offensive dominance.
