Ohio State football coaching staff losses may pave way for other programs to dominate Big Ten in 2025
Ohio State football has long been the gold standard of the Big Ten, consistently dominating the conference and competing for national championships. The Buckeyes’ success over the years has been fueled by elite recruiting, top-notch coaching, and a winning culture that has made them a perennial powerhouse in college football. However, as the 2025 season approaches, Ohio State finds itself in a period of transition following key coaching staff losses that could potentially alter the landscape of the Big Ten and open the door for other programs to rise to prominence.
In this article, we will explore the coaching staff changes at Ohio State, the potential impact these losses could have on the Buckeyes’ future, and how these changes may create an opportunity for rival programs in the Big Ten to capitalize on Ohio State’s potential vulnerabilities.
Ohio State’s Coaching Stability: A Key to Success
For the better part of the past two decades, Ohio State football has been a model of consistency under head coach Ryan Day. Since taking over as head coach in 2019, Day has led the Buckeyes to multiple Big Ten championships, College Football Playoff appearances, and a 2019 Rose Bowl victory. His ability to recruit elite talent, develop quarterbacks, and lead an explosive offense has made Ohio State one of the most feared teams in college football.
At the heart of Ohio State’s success has been a well-established coaching staff that has remained largely intact during Day’s tenure. Kevin Wilson (offensive coordinator), Greg Schiano (defensive coordinator), and Larry Johnson (defensive line coach) were all instrumental in the Buckeyes’ sustained excellence, and their roles within the program were pivotal in maintaining Ohio State’s competitive edge.
However, as the 2025 season approaches, several of these key coaching figures have moved on, with some leaving for head coaching opportunities and others taking on new roles in different programs. These departures have created a void in Ohio State’s coaching staff that could impact the program’s performance in the coming years.
Coaching Losses at Ohio State
1. Kevin Wilson’s Departure
Kevin Wilson, who had been Ohio State’s offensive coordinator since 2017, was a central figure in the team’s offensive success. Wilson’s innovative play-calling and ability to develop dynamic offensive schemes helped mold the Buckeyes into one of the most high-powered offenses in college football. Under his guidance, Ohio State’s quarterbacks, including Justin Fields and CJ Stroud, flourished and became among the best in the nation.
Wilson’s departure to become the head coach of Tulsa left a significant void on the offensive side of the ball. While Ryan Day is a capable play-caller himself, Wilson’s leadership and experience in coordinating an elite offense will be difficult to replace. The Buckeyes will have to adjust to new leadership in the offensive coordinator role, and there are questions about whether the program can maintain its offensive dominance without Wilson at the helm.
2. Greg Schiano’s Exit
Greg Schiano, who served as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator from 2016 to 2018, made a return to the program in 2021 as a defensive consultant. Schiano played a significant role in improving the Buckeyes’ defense during his previous stint, particularly in creating a more disciplined and aggressive defensive scheme. His departure once again leaves Ohio State with a hole to fill in terms of leadership and experience on the defensive side of the ball.
Schiano’s defensive prowess, particularly in the secondary, was a key factor in Ohio State’s success against both the run and the pass. With Schiano gone, the Buckeyes will need to find a new defensive coordinator who can maintain Ohio State’s high standards of defensive performance.
3. Larry Johnson’s Potential Retirement
Larry Johnson, Ohio State’s long-time defensive line coach, has been one of the most respected coaches in college football. Johnson has developed a long list of NFL-caliber defensive linemen, including Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Joey Bosa, and has built a reputation as one of the best position coaches in the game. However, Johnson is now in his 70s, and there has been speculation that he may retire after the 2025 season.
If Johnson does retire, Ohio State will lose one of its most beloved and successful coaches. The defensive line is often the backbone of any successful defense, and Johnson’s leadership has been instrumental in Ohio State’s defensive prowess. The loss of such a key figure would leave a considerable gap on the Buckeyes’ staff and could significantly impact their ability to maintain dominance in the trenches.
Potential Impact of Coaching Losses
The losses of Kevin Wilson, Greg Schiano, and Larry Johnson could have far-reaching implications for Ohio State football. Each of these coaches was a key figure in the success of the program, and their departures have the potential to disrupt the Buckeyes’ established systems and routines.
1. Offensive Adjustments Under a New Coordinator
With Wilson’s departure, Ryan Day will need to find a new offensive coordinator who can continue to develop Ohio State’s high-powered offense. Day has demonstrated his own ability as a play-caller, but the loss of Wilson’s experience and creativity could lead to some growing pains for the offense, particularly early in the 2025 season. Additionally, Ohio State’s success on offense has been largely tied to the development of elite quarterbacks, and the Buckeyes will need to find a new quarterback coach who can help continue that tradition.
2. Defensive Scheme Changes
The defensive side of the ball could be even more affected by these coaching changes. Schiano’s absence means that Ohio State will need to find a new defensive coordinator who can bring a fresh approach to the defense while maintaining the toughness and discipline that Schiano instilled. If Ohio State cannot fill this void with a coach of similar caliber, it could lead to a decline in defensive performance, especially when it comes to defending against high-powered offenses in the Big Ten.
Moreover, if Larry Johnson does indeed retire, the Buckeyes will have to find a new defensive line coach who can develop players to the same level as Johnson. The loss of Johnson’s expertise in coaching elite pass rushers and defensive tackles could make it more difficult for Ohio State to compete in the trenches, which is a crucial aspect of winning championships.
Opportunities for Rival Programs
As Ohio State deals with these coaching staff losses, rival programs in the Big Ten have an opportunity to capitalize on the potential opening. Programs like Michigan, Penn State, Wisconsin, and Michigan State could see this as an opportunity to close the gap with the Buckeyes, especially if Ohio State experiences any struggles in 2025.
1. Michigan’s Growing Momentum
Michigan has become Ohio State’s biggest rival, and the Wolverines have shown significant progress under head coach Jim Harbaugh. After a historic win over Ohio State in 2021 and a College Football Playoff appearance, Michigan appears to be on the rise. If Ohio State struggles to adjust to coaching changes, Michigan could seize the opportunity to assert its dominance in the Big Ten, potentially leading the charge in 2025.
2. Penn State’s Steady Growth
Penn State, under head coach James Franklin, has been a consistently competitive program in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions have had success recruiting top-tier talent and have been competitive against Ohio State in recent seasons. With Ohio State undergoing coaching changes, Penn State may have the chance to capitalize on any slip-ups from the Buckeyes and potentially challenge for a Big Ten title.
3. Wisconsin and Michigan State’s Potential
Both Wisconsin and Michigan State have historically been competitive programs in the Big Ten. Wisconsin’s focus on tough, physical football and Michigan State’s strong defense could make both teams serious contenders in 2025 if Ohio State falters due to coaching staff changes. With strong recruiting classes and capable coaching staffs, both programs could benefit from Ohio State’s potential vulnerabilities.
