Football: 5 candidates Ohio State could consider for defensive coordinator

Ohio State has established itself as one of the premier football programs in the nation, consistently competing for Big Ten championships and College Football Playoff berths. With such high expectations, maintaining a strong defense has always been crucial to the team’s success. Ohio State’s defensive coordinator plays a vital role in shaping the defensive philosophy, personnel decisions, and game planning. Given the significant importance of this position, the Buckeyes will undoubtedly conduct an extensive search when the defensive coordinator job becomes available.

As the Ohio State Buckeyes move forward, it’s worth taking a look at the potential candidates who could fill this critical role. The defensive coordinator not only needs to be a tactician but also a recruiter capable of landing top-tier talent in one of the nation’s most competitive conferences. In this article, we will analyze five candidates who could be at the top of Ohio State’s list for defensive coordinator.

1. Jim Knowles (Current Defensive Coordinator, Ohio State)

Before diving into potential external candidates, it’s worth acknowledging the possibility that Ohio State may opt to retain its current defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles. Since joining the Buckeyes in 2022, Knowles has been tasked with turning around a defense that had underperformed in previous seasons. His reputation as a defensive mastermind preceded him when he was hired, coming off a highly successful tenure as defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State.

Knowles’s system at Ohio State emphasizes multiple defensive looks, an aggressive pass rush, and strong linebacker play. The Buckeyes’ defense showed significant improvement in his first year in charge, especially in terms of pass defense, run-stopping ability, and overall scoring defense. While there were growing pains in certain areas, his first season brought optimism to the fanbase. If Ohio State decides to stick with Knowles, it could be a statement that the program is ready to continue its defensive evolution under his guidance.

However, some fans and analysts believe that Knowles may be a candidate for other jobs in the future, especially if Ohio State’s defense continues to improve and attract attention from top programs. This will create a competitive situation where other potential candidates will be actively considered should Ohio State decide to look elsewhere.

2. Terry Joseph (Co-Defensive Coordinator and Secondary Coach, Texas A&M)

Terry Joseph, currently serving as the co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach at Texas A&M, is a potential candidate who could be a game-changer for Ohio State’s defense. Known for his exceptional work with defensive backs, Joseph has built a reputation for developing NFL-caliber players in the secondary. During his tenure at Texas A&M, he has helped improve the Aggies’ pass defense and has overseen the development of top-tier cornerbacks and safeties.

Joseph has experience coaching at various programs, including stops at LSU, North Carolina, and Tennessee. His ability to develop defensive backs is well-documented, and he has produced several high-profile NFL prospects during his career. Given Ohio State’s strong tradition of producing elite cornerbacks and safeties, Joseph’s expertise in this area could be exactly what the Buckeyes need to continue to recruit and develop defensive backs at an elite level.

In addition to his work in the secondary, Joseph has experience managing defenses as a co-coordinator, giving him the leadership experience necessary to run an entire defense. His coaching pedigree, recruiting acumen, and ability to develop defensive talent make him an intriguing candidate for Ohio State’s defensive coordinator position.

3. Kirby Smart (Head Coach, Georgia)

Although Kirby Smart is currently the head coach at the University of Georgia, his defensive prowess and connection to Ohio State make him an intriguing hypothetical candidate for the defensive coordinator position. Smart, a former defensive coordinator at Alabama, has transformed Georgia into a national powerhouse with an elite defense under his leadership.

Smart’s defense at Georgia is consistently one of the best in the country. His ability to build physical, fast, and disciplined defensive units has earned him recognition as one of the top defensive minds in college football. Smart’s coaching style emphasizes aggressive play, creating turnovers, and putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. His defensive schemes are designed to stop the run while also creating opportunities for the pass rush to excel.

While Smart’s current role as head coach makes it unlikely he would leave Georgia for a defensive coordinator role, his connection to Ohio State is noteworthy. He played at Georgia and served as a defensive backs coach for the Bulldogs early in his career. He also served as the defensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban, where he worked with several members of the Ohio State staff.

Should Smart ever seek a return to his roots in a defensive coordinator role, Ohio State could be an attractive option. His reputation as a defensive strategist and his success at Georgia make him a top-tier candidate in the long-term picture for Ohio State, but this remains a hypothetical situation.

4. Dan Lanning (Head Coach, Oregon)

Dan Lanning, currently the head coach at the University of Oregon, is another candidate who could potentially make a move to Ohio State as defensive coordinator. Lanning, like Kirby Smart, is widely regarded as one of the brightest defensive minds in the college football world. Prior to becoming Oregon’s head coach, Lanning spent several years at Georgia, serving as the defensive coordinator for the Bulldogs.

During Lanning’s time at Georgia, the defense took on a dominant edge, and he helped develop numerous future NFL players. His system emphasizes aggressive pressure on the quarterback, stopping the run, and creating turnovers. Lanning’s success at Georgia ultimately earned him the Oregon head coaching job in 2022, but his defensive expertise could make him a valuable asset for Ohio State in the future.

If Ohio State were to explore the possibility of hiring Lanning as a defensive coordinator, it would be after a potential falling out or career transition. While Lanning is in a head coaching position, he has deep ties to the world of defensive football and is known for his ability to build elite defenses. Should Ohio State find itself looking for a change, Lanning’s mix of head coaching experience and defensive expertise would make him a high-level candidate.

5. Glenn Schumann (Defensive Coordinator, Georgia)

Another Georgia defensive coordinator to consider is Glenn Schumann, who currently serves as the defensive coordinator for the Bulldogs. Schumann has worked closely with Kirby Smart and has helped create one of the most feared defenses in the nation over the past several years. Schumann’s defensive philosophy is built on stopping the run, being aggressive against the pass, and creating chaos at the line of scrimmage.

Schumann’s coaching career began at Alabama, where he served under Nick Saban before joining Georgia. His background as a linebacker coach has helped him develop one of the best linebacker units in the country. He also has experience as a recruiter, bringing in some of the best defensive prospects in the nation to Georgia. Schumann’s reputation as a tactician and recruiter has allowed him to build a dominant defensive unit in Athens.

Should Schumann look for a new opportunity in the future, Ohio State could be an ideal destination. His coaching pedigree, combined with his ability to recruit top-tier defensive talent, would make him an excellent candidate for the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator position. While Georgia is currently one of the top football programs in the country, Schumann could consider a lateral move to Ohio State to take on a more prominent role in a new program.

Conclusion

Ohio State has a rich football tradition and a long history of success on both sides of the ball, and the defensive coordinator position is one of the most important roles in the program. As the Buckeyes continue to compete at a high level, the need for a defensive coordinator who can recruit top-tier talent, develop defensive schemes, and build a winning defense is paramount.

Whether Ohio State decides to retain Jim Knowles or explore other options, the five candidates discussed in this article represent a range of potential options, each bringing a unique skill set and background to the table. From Terry Joseph’s experience with defensive backs to Dan Lanning and Glenn Schumann’s defensive prowess at Georgia, the Buckeyes have plenty of talent to choose from.

Ultimately, the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator search will be an important decision that could shape the future of the program. By selecting the right leader, Ohio State can continue its dominance in the Big Ten and contend for national championships for years to come.