Following Jim Knowles’ departure, three possible DC fits for the Ohio State Buckeyes

After a tumultuous offseason, Ohio State fans were stunned to hear the news that Jim Knowles, the highly regarded defensive coordinator who had served in that capacity for the Buckeyes since 2022, was leaving the program. His departure left a sizable hole in Ohio State’s defensive coaching staff and raised the question: who could step in to continue building the program’s defensive prowess?

Knowles had undoubtedly improved Ohio State’s defense during his tenure, but after a few years of mixed results, both on the field and with some notable high-profile losses, the decision to part ways was made. Ohio State, one of the premier college football programs in the country, now faces the pressure of finding a defensive coordinator who can take the defense to the next level, both in terms of consistency and performance.

The Buckeyes’ defensive unit has the talent and potential to be one of the best in the country, so the next defensive coordinator will need to find the right mix of coaching acumen, player development, and scheme implementation to get the most out of Ohio State’s defense. Ohio State is looking for someone who can revitalize their defense and help lead the team to a College Football Playoff championship.

While many defensive minds may fit the bill, here are three potential candidates who could be the right fit for Ohio State and its championship aspirations in the coming seasons.

1. Al Washington (Current Ohio State Defensive Line Coach)

Overview: Al Washington, currently the defensive line coach at Ohio State, is a familiar name within the Buckeye program and one that could make a seamless transition to the role of defensive coordinator. Washington has been with Ohio State for several years, having previously coached the linebackers and now working with the defensive line. His track record with Ohio State, combined with his defensive coaching experience, makes him an intriguing candidate to step up to the coordinator role.

Why Al Washington?

Familiarity with the Program: One of the biggest benefits of promoting from within is the continuity it brings. Washington has been a part of Ohio State’s coaching staff for multiple years and has an intimate knowledge of the defense, the players, and the system. He understands the program’s culture and what it takes to succeed in the Big Ten and on the national stage. A smooth transition in leadership is essential when a program like Ohio State expects excellence every season, and Washington’s familiarity with the structure of the defense and the program could help ensure a seamless shift.

Coaching Experience: Though Washington is most recently known for his work with the defensive line, his past experience coaching linebackers gives him a well-rounded background. Linebackers and defensive linemen work closely together in terms of scheme, and Washington has coached both positions at high levels. His ability to understand the nuances of defensive line play, in particular, could add a valuable element to Ohio State’s defensive game planning. Under his guidance, the defensive line at Ohio State has been productive, and he’s been instrumental in developing some of the top pass-rushers in the nation.

Recruiting and Player Development: Washington is highly regarded as a recruiter, and that would be one of his key assets as a defensive coordinator. Ohio State has long recruited well, particularly in the trenches, and Washington’s reputation for connecting with recruits and developing top talent would allow him to continue to recruit elite players to the defensive side of the ball. His familiarity with the program also gives him an advantage in recruiting players, as he’s already established relationships with current and future Buckeyes.

Challenges: The biggest question mark surrounding Washington’s candidacy is whether he has the experience and knowledge to coordinate an entire defense. While he’s been successful as a position coach, leading a defense is an entirely different task. Ohio State will be looking for a defensive coordinator who can bring together all three levels of the defense—defensive line, linebackers, and secondary—while also having a clear scheme and vision. Washington’s success as a defensive line coach may translate well, but stepping into the DC role would be a significant leap, and it remains to be seen whether he has the ability to elevate the defense in the same way Jim Knowles did early on.

2. Jim Harbaugh (Former Michigan Defensive Coordinator)

Overview: Though he’s known primarily as the head coach of Michigan’s football team, Jim Harbaugh is a name that should not be overlooked when considering Ohio State’s next defensive coordinator. Harbaugh, before taking over at Michigan, had stints in the NFL as a head coach and offensive coordinator. While he’s more famous for his offensive background, his time coaching Michigan’s defense, coupled with his understanding of the rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan, makes him an intriguing candidate to consider in a different role.

Why Jim Harbaugh?

Defensive Background: Though Harbaugh’s primary focus has been on offense throughout much of his coaching career, he has an extensive defensive background that cannot be ignored. Harbaugh played in the NFL for years, so he understands the importance of building a balanced and tough defensive unit. He also had a hand in Michigan’s defensive schemes during his time as a head coach, with the Wolverines frequently boasting one of the top defenses in the country. Harbaugh has cultivated a defensive-first mentality at Michigan and knows what it takes to put together a championship-caliber defense.

Rivalry Understanding: Harbaugh’s familiarity with Ohio State through the intense rivalry with Michigan could be an asset in understanding what it takes to succeed in the Big Ten. As Ohio State fans know all too well, Michigan and Ohio State have one of the most heated rivalries in college football, and Harbaugh’s knowledge of the Buckeyes’ strengths and weaknesses could be used to Ohio State’s advantage. With the desire to overcome his bitter rival in Michigan, Harbaugh may have the motivation needed to make the most out of the Ohio State defense.

NFL Experience: Harbaugh’s experience coaching in the NFL could provide a unique perspective in terms of defensive strategy. His familiarity with professional football, especially at the defensive level, could elevate Ohio State’s scheme to new heights. Having worked with some of the best players in the world, Harbaugh could bring an added level of sophistication to Ohio State’s defense and help develop the current players to prepare them for the NFL, which is crucial for a program like Ohio State.

Challenges: Harbaugh’s potential as a defensive coordinator is intriguing, but his success in this role is far from guaranteed. The transition from being a head coach to a coordinator could be a difficult one, as it involves a different kind of responsibility. Harbaugh is also a busy individual—he’s already managing the Michigan program and the responsibility of being a head coach. Adding the defensive coordinator role to his already demanding schedule may prove challenging. Plus, Ohio State fans would be skeptical of a former Michigan coach taking over such a pivotal role, and it could create unnecessary distractions in an already high-pressure environment.

3. Derrick Ansley (Alabama Defensive Backs Coach)

Overview: Derrick Ansley, currently the defensive backs coach for Alabama, has long been considered one of the top defensive minds in college football. He has experience coaching multiple positions at both the college and NFL levels and has worked with some of the most highly regarded defensive units in the country. Ansley’s background in defensive backs coaching, combined with his overall defensive knowledge, makes him an appealing option for Ohio State.

Why Derrick Ansley?

Elite Defensive Mindset: Ansley’s reputation as a defensive coach has been built through his work at both the college and professional levels. He has spent time coaching in the NFL, working with the Oakland Raiders’ secondary, and his understanding of complex defensive systems makes him one of the best defensive minds in the country. Ansley has helped Alabama’s defense become one of the most feared in college football, and his ability to coach the defensive backs at the highest level could be a game-changer for Ohio State.

Success with Defensive Backs: Ohio State has been fortunate to have had a strong secondary in recent years, and Ansley’s ability to work with cornerbacks and safeties could further elevate that unit. As Ohio State continues to compete for national titles, having a defensive backs coach with Ansley’s pedigree could make the difference in closing out games and preventing explosive plays.

Experience in the SEC: Having coached at Alabama, Ansley is no stranger to the pressure of competing in one of college football’s toughest conferences. He has experience facing elite competition week in and week out, and his familiarity with playing against top-tier offenses and quarterbacks in the SEC would be valuable in preparing Ohio State’s defense for the best in the country.

Challenges: Ansley’s specialty is in coaching defensive backs, not necessarily coordinating an entire defense. While he has the knowledge and experience to coach at a high level, transitioning into a coordinator role would be a major step. Additionally, Alabama’s success has been largely driven by their overall defense, which means Ansley may not have had the same level of control over the entire unit as he would as a coordinator at Ohio State. The question remains whether he can adjust to the broader scope and responsibilities of being a defensive coordinator.