Justin Frye, the offensive line coach for Ohio State football, speaks with the Chicago Bears

Justin Frye and the Chicago Bears: A Potential Partnership for Ohio State’s Offensive Line Coach

The world of college football is rife with coaching turnover, but it’s rare to see a program like Ohio State, which has long prided itself on consistency and excellence, potentially face a shakeup in its staff. In the early months of 2025, speculation swirled regarding the future of Ohio State’s offensive line coach, Justin Frye. Reports confirmed that Frye had met with representatives from the Chicago Bears, sparking immediate conversation among Buckeyes fans and the wider football world about what this could mean for the future of Ohio State football and the professional aspirations of Frye himself.

Justin Frye, who has been with Ohio State since 2021, has earned a reputation as one of the top offensive line coaches in college football. His work with the Buckeyes’ offensive line has been integral to their success, especially in maintaining the high standard of play that has consistently made Ohio State one of the most dangerous teams in the Big Ten. His potential departure to the NFL, particularly to a team like the Chicago Bears—who are in the midst of rebuilding—could have significant ramifications for both Ohio State and the Bears. To understand why Frye’s discussions with the Bears are noteworthy, it’s essential to examine his coaching background, his impact at Ohio State, the current state of the Chicago Bears, and what the future could hold for both sides.

Justin Frye’s Coaching Journey

Before analyzing Frye’s potential transition to the NFL, it’s important to understand his coaching journey that led him to Ohio State. Justin Frye began his career at the collegiate level as a player at Western Kentucky, but it was his coaching path that would define his legacy. He started his career in coaching as a graduate assistant at Western Kentucky before moving on to positions at schools like Temple, where he was the offensive line coach, and Boston College, where he held the same role.

Frye’s experience at Boston College, where he helped develop one of the top offensive lines in the ACC, put him on the radar of some of the nation’s premier programs. It wasn’t long before Ohio State took notice of his ability to develop talent and his deep understanding of offensive line play. In 2021, Ohio State hired Frye as their offensive line coach, where he immediately made an impact.

At Ohio State, Frye’s coaching prowess became evident in the development of top-tier players, such as Paris Johnson Jr., who would go on to become a first-round pick in the NFL Draft. Frye’s emphasis on technical proficiency, strong fundamentals, and creating a physical, dominating front line elevated the offensive play of the Buckeyes. Under his guidance, Ohio State maintained a consistently strong offensive line, a key component in their high-powered offensive attack.

But Frye’s rise as a coveted coach goes beyond player development. His reputation as a tactician, his ability to adjust schemes based on opponent strengths, and his leadership in the trenches have made him one of the most respected coaches in his field. This success in college football naturally led to professional opportunities, including the recent interest from the Chicago Bears.

The Chicago Bears’ Offensive Line Struggles

The Chicago Bears are no strangers to offensive struggles, particularly in the trenches. Since their last Super Bowl appearance in 2006, the Bears have often been defined by inconsistent quarterback play and struggles on the offensive line. As of 2025, the Bears are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, having undergone changes in leadership, including a new general manager and head coach. While they have shown flashes of potential, the offensive line has been a consistent weak point.

For years, the Bears have struggled to find stability and continuity on their offensive line. In recent seasons, they’ve rotated through a variety of linemen, and while some of their draft picks, such as Teven Jenkins and Braxton Jones, show promise, the offensive line still has significant room for improvement. For the Bears to take the next step, particularly with a young quarterback like Justin Fields, they must shore up their offensive line play.

Justin Frye’s reputation as a developer of talent and his ability to mold raw prospects into dominant linemen make him an attractive candidate for the Bears. The opportunity to work with Fields and build an offensive line capable of protecting their franchise quarterback and establishing a more balanced offense would be a compelling challenge for any coach.

What Frye Could Bring to the Bears

If Justin Frye were to leave Ohio State and join the Chicago Bears, there are several immediate advantages that he would bring to the NFL team. First and foremost, Frye’s ability to develop talent is a critical asset for a Bears team still in search of stability on the offensive line. Under Frye’s tutelage, offensive linemen would likely see improvements in their technical fundamentals and become better at handling the speed and strength of NFL defenders.

Frye’s success at Ohio State was due, in part, to his ability to tailor his coaching to fit his players’ individual strengths. He was not only tasked with developing five-star recruits but also refining players who might not have been considered top-tier talents out of high school. His versatility as a coach would help him adapt to the varying skill sets of the Bears’ offensive linemen, which would be particularly valuable in an NFL environment where every player must be maximized to the fullest.

Additionally, Frye’s experience coaching at a high level of college football has given him valuable insight into the schemes that work in today’s game. As the NFL increasingly emphasizes wide-open passing attacks and fast-paced offenses, Frye’s ability to integrate modern offensive line techniques while maintaining a physical, mauling style of play could benefit the Bears. Under his direction, the offensive line would not only improve in pass protection but also become more effective in the running game, an area where the Bears have often struggled.

Moreover, Frye’s track record at Ohio State is particularly valuable because it demonstrates his proficiency in preparing players for the next level. His former players, such as Johnson Jr., were able to transition to the NFL and make immediate impacts, which would lend credibility to his ability to prepare Bears players for professional success.

What Frye’s Potential Departure Means for Ohio State

On the other side of the equation, if Frye were to leave Ohio State for the Chicago Bears, his departure would leave a significant void in the Buckeyes’ coaching staff. The offensive line has been one of the pillars of Ohio State’s success in recent years, and Frye’s leadership in that area has been crucial in maintaining a standard of excellence. The Buckeyes have been able to recruit and develop elite offensive linemen under his guidance, and his loss could slow down the development of future prospects.

Ohio State would likely need to move quickly to find a replacement to ensure the team doesn’t lose momentum on the recruiting trail or in player development. While Ohio State is a marquee program with deep resources, replacing a coach like Frye is no small task. The Buckeyes would need to identify a candidate who can build on the success Frye created while continuing to develop the next generation of NFL-ready offensive linemen.

However, it’s worth noting that Ohio State has a strong tradition of producing elite coaching talent, and they would likely have several options available to fill the role. Whether they promote from within the program or bring in a new name entirely, Ohio State would have the resources to maintain the strength of their offensive line play.

The Bigger Picture: The NFL and College Football Intersection

Frye’s situation is a reminder of the growing intersection between college football and the NFL. While the gap between the two levels has traditionally been significant, the increasing competitiveness of the NFL combined with the financial incentives for coaches means that more and more college coaches are being courted by professional teams. The rise of NIL and the shift toward a more professionalized environment in college football have also contributed to this dynamic, as the pressure on college coaches has increased, driving some to consider moving to the NFL for new challenges.

The trend of college coaches jumping to the NFL is not unique to Frye. Several top-tier college assistants and coordinators have taken similar leaps in recent years, and Frye’s potential departure could be seen as part of this broader trend. This represents a shift in how the NFL values college coaching experience, particularly in areas such as player development and scheme innovation.