Will Stein of the Oregon Ducks was selected as the top applicant for the open Ohio State position.

Will Stein Selected as Ohio State’s Top Candidate for Open Coaching Position: A New Era for the Buckeyes?

The Ohio State University has always been a breeding ground for top-tier talent, both on the field and in the coaching ranks. As one of the premier football programs in the country, Ohio State has consistently remained at the forefront of the college football landscape, winning Big Ten championships and competing for national titles. But with the ever-changing nature of the sport, coaching staff turnover is inevitable. The recent opening on Ohio State’s staff presented a critical moment for the program, as they sought the right candidate to help elevate their already elite football team.

After a thorough and deliberate search, the Ohio State Buckeyes have made a bold move by selecting Will Stein, the former offensive coordinator at the University of Oregon, as their top candidate for the open position. This decision marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Buckeyes, as Stein, a rising star in the coaching world, brings a fresh, innovative perspective that could prove vital for the program’s continued success.

In this deep dive, we’ll explore the significance of Stein’s hiring, the impact it could have on Ohio State’s offensive schemes, and how his experience at Oregon has prepared him for the challenges that lie ahead in one of the most high-profile coaching jobs in college football.

The Search for the Right Candidate

When Ohio State’s coaching position became available, the Buckeyes were determined to find someone who could complement their established success while adding a new dimension to the team’s playbook. While the Buckeyes had been dominant in many areas, particularly on defense, their offensive play had been under scrutiny at times. In an era where offensive innovation often dictates success at the highest levels of college football, Ohio State knew they needed someone who could modernize their offensive strategies and keep pace with some of the high-scoring juggernauts like Alabama, Georgia, and USC.

The search for the perfect candidate was extensive. Ohio State needed a coach with a strong track record of success, an ability to develop talent, and a clear vision for taking their offense to the next level. The Buckeyes also had to account for their unique culture and environment, where expectations are sky-high and the pressure to win championships is constant.

As the coaching carousel spun, many names were linked to Ohio State’s open position. But one name consistently stood out: Will Stein.

Will Stein: A Rising Star in Coaching

Will Stein, at just 34 years old, has already earned a reputation as one of the brightest minds in college football. His journey to becoming one of the top offensive minds in the country began in his playing days as a quarterback at Trinity University in Texas. Stein was never the most physically gifted player, but his understanding of the game and ability to read defenses set him apart from his peers. After his playing career ended, Stein quickly transitioned into coaching, and his innovative approach to offense quickly caught the attention of those around him.

Stein’s big break came when he joined the coaching staff at the University of Oregon under head coach Dan Lanning. As Oregon’s offensive coordinator, Stein played a pivotal role in developing one of the most dynamic and efficient offenses in the Pac-12. His ability to adapt to different quarterbacks and implement high-paced, high-scoring systems made him one of the most sought-after coaching candidates in the country.

What stands out about Stein is his commitment to modernizing offenses. In today’s college football world, the ability to score points quickly and efficiently is crucial. Stein’s offenses at Oregon were known for their fast tempo, creative play designs, and versatility. Whether it was utilizing the read option, incorporating fast-paced passing attacks, or developing a strong running game, Stein’s offensive playbook was one that kept defenses guessing.

His work with quarterbacks is particularly impressive. Under his tutelage, Oregon’s quarterbacks flourished, including Bo Nix, who experienced a career renaissance after transferring from Auburn. Nix’s development as a more confident and accurate passer was a direct result of Stein’s ability to cater his system to Nix’s strengths. This ability to adapt to personnel and create an offense that plays to individual strengths is one of the reasons Ohio State saw Stein as the ideal candidate for their vacant position.

What Will Stein Brings to Ohio State

Stein’s hiring represents a clear shift in Ohio State’s approach to offense. While the Buckeyes have been successful under head coach Ryan Day’s leadership, particularly with elite quarterbacks like Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, there’s a sense that the program needs a new infusion of creativity to maintain its place among college football’s elite.

One of the first areas where Stein will have an impact is in the development of Ohio State’s quarterback position. While the Buckeyes have had some of the best quarterbacks in the country, the program’s success has often been built on explosive wide receivers and strong offensive lines. With Stein’s background as a quarterback himself, it’s likely he will focus heavily on making sure Ohio State’s quarterback play remains elite. Whether it’s a freshman or a returning starter, Stein will have the opportunity to shape the Buckeyes’ offense around the quarterback’s skill set, much like he did at Oregon with Nix.

Another area where Stein’s influence will be felt is in his approach to pace and tempo. Oregon’s offense under Stein was known for its fast pace, often catching defenses off guard with a quick tempo that wore teams down over the course of a game. Ohio State’s offense, while potent, can sometimes become stagnant when teams are able to slow the game down. Stein’s ability to push the pace could make a difference in turning Ohio State’s offense into an even more dangerous weapon.

Stein’s offensive philosophy is built around versatility. He’s not married to one style of offense; instead, he looks for ways to adapt to the strengths of his players. Whether that’s utilizing a mobile quarterback in the read option or emphasizing a strong running game, Stein has shown that he’s capable of building an offense that is both explosive and efficient. For Ohio State, this means having a multifaceted offense that can exploit weaknesses in opposing defenses, whether through the air or on the ground.

Ohio State’s Recruiting Edge

Stein’s hiring also comes at a time when Ohio State’s recruiting is at an all-time high. The Buckeyes have long been known for their elite recruiting, and Stein’s ability to relate to players, particularly quarterbacks and offensive skill position players, will likely bolster their efforts. Ohio State is already a top destination for the best high school athletes in the country, but Stein’s offensive acumen could further solidify the Buckeyes as a program that consistently lands top-tier offensive recruits.

With Ohio State’s ability to recruit nationally and the attraction of playing for one of the most innovative offensive minds in college football, Stein’s arrival should enhance the program’s offensive recruiting class. Players will want to play in a system that emphasizes quick tempo, creativity, and the development of their skills, which is exactly what Stein offers.

Stein’s Compatibility with Ryan Day

One of the most important factors in Stein’s success at Ohio State will be his ability to mesh with head coach Ryan Day. Day, known for his offensive prowess and expertise in developing quarterbacks, has already established Ohio State as one of the premier offensive teams in the country. However, by bringing Stein on board, Day is making a clear statement that the program needs to continue to evolve and modernize in order to compete with the elite teams in the SEC and beyond.

It’s clear that Stein’s hiring won’t be about overhauling Ohio State’s offensive philosophy, but rather about adding another layer of creativity and adaptability. Day and Stein’s partnership could form a dynamic duo, with Day overseeing the broader strategy of the team while Stein focuses on fine-tuning the offense, specifically the quarterback play and the pace of the game. Their combined expertise could lead to one of the most dangerous offenses in college football in the coming years.

What’s Next for Ohio State?

With Stein now in place, Ohio State is positioned to continue its run of success in the Big Ten and on the national stage. The Buckeyes have the talent to compete for championships, and with Stein’s fresh perspective, they could unlock new levels of offensive performance. In a conference like the Big Ten, where defenses often dominate, Stein’s fast-paced, high-efficiency offense could be the perfect antidote to the traditional grind-it-out style of play.

In addition to the development of the offense, Stein’s impact could be felt in Ohio State’s ability to develop NFL-caliber talent. Given his experience at Oregon, where he helped develop players into first-round picks, Stein has the potential to take Ohio State’s already elite pipeline to the next level.