Another assistant coach leaves the Ohio State Buckeyes for the NFL.

Another Assistant Coach Leaves Ohio State for the NFL: Implications for the Buckeyes and Ryan Day’s Program

In the high-stakes world of college football, assistant coaching changes are an inevitable part of the landscape. Coaches are constantly moving, whether to pursue greater opportunities or for professional development. For a program like Ohio State, one of the most prestigious and successful college football teams in the country, coaching changes often come under intense scrutiny. In this article, we will explore the latest departure of another Ohio State assistant coach who is leaving to take a position in the NFL, assess what this means for Ryan Day’s program, and examine the broader implications for the Buckeyes as they continue to strive for excellence.

Ohio State football, under head coach Ryan Day, has become a perennial powerhouse. Over the past several years, the Buckeyes have been a fixture in the College Football Playoff and have been a consistent contender for national championships. Day has turned the program into one of the most respected in the country, thanks in large part to his ability to assemble an outstanding coaching staff. The Buckeyes have benefited from numerous talented assistants who have helped shape both the offensive and defensive units into national contenders.

However, with success comes attention, and with that attention comes opportunity. Many of Day’s assistants have been poached by other top programs, and increasingly, the NFL has become a destination for some of Ohio State’s brightest coaching minds. This article will focus on the recent departure of yet another assistant coach to the NFL, the impact this has on Ohio State’s program, and what it means for Ryan Day as he navigates the challenges of maintaining a championship-caliber team while continually reloading his coaching staff.

The Departure of Another Ohio State Assistant Coach to the NFL

Ohio State’s coaching staff has long been a major source of pride for the program. The Buckeyes have boasted numerous NFL-caliber coaches who have helped develop elite talent on both sides of the ball. However, the NFL’s interest in college coaching talent, particularly at Ohio State, has been growing steadily in recent years. This past offseason, the Ohio State Buckeyes lost another assistant coach to the NFL, marking yet another shift in the program’s coaching staff.

The assistant coach in question is Keir Thomas, the assistant defensive line coach for Ohio State. Thomas, who has been with the Buckeyes since 2019, has been instrumental in developing Ohio State’s defensive line, a unit that has produced numerous NFL draft picks in recent years. His expertise in coaching defensive linemen and his ability to help players reach their potential at the next level made him one of the most respected position coaches in college football. However, after several years of success at Ohio State, Thomas has decided to take the next step in his coaching career and accept an offer to join an NFL coaching staff.

Thomas’s move to the NFL is a significant loss for Ohio State, but it is not entirely unexpected. As Ohio State’s defense has risen to prominence under Ryan Day and Jim Knowles, the program’s coaching staff has garnered increasing interest from the professional ranks. Many of Day’s assistants have been sought after for positions in the NFL, and Thomas’s departure is a testament to the talent and skill within Ohio State’s coaching staff. Although the loss is a blow to Ohio State’s immediate future, it also speaks to the growing stature of the program and the development opportunities it provides to its coaches.

The NFL’s Growing Interest in College Coaches

The NFL’s increasing interest in college coaches has been one of the most notable trends in recent years. Many programs, especially those with elite coaching staffs, have seen their assistants poached by NFL teams looking to add talent to their coaching ranks. Ohio State, as one of the top football programs in the country, has become a prime target for NFL teams seeking coaches who can help develop young talent and implement successful strategies at the professional level.

The shift from college to the NFL is not surprising. The NFL has long relied on college coaches to help develop young players, particularly in the areas of player development, scheme, and overall team-building. Ohio State’s ability to produce top-tier talent—especially in areas like wide receivers, defensive backs, and offensive linemen—has made it a fertile ground for NFL teams seeking skilled coaches who can help players transition to the next level. The Buckeyes’ reputation for success in developing NFL-ready talent has been bolstered by the presence of skilled coaches, many of whom have spent years honing their craft at the college level.

Keir Thomas’s decision to leave Ohio State for the NFL is the latest in a series of similar moves. Over the years, several prominent coaches from Ohio State have been lured to the NFL, including Greg Schiano (former defensive coordinator), Chris Ash (former defensive coordinator), and Mike Vrabel (former linebacker coach, now the head coach of the Tennessee Titans). The growing trend of NFL teams looking to Ohio State for coaching talent reflects both the program’s strength and the increasing influence of the professional game on college football.

What This Departure Means for Ohio State’s Coaching Staff

While Keir Thomas’s departure is another significant loss for Ohio State, it is important to understand the broader implications for the Buckeyes’ coaching staff and Ryan Day’s program.

1. Leadership Loss and Impact on Recruiting

One of the most immediate impacts of Thomas’s departure is the loss of leadership within the defensive line room. Thomas played a key role in developing Ohio State’s defensive line into one of the most dominant in the country. He worked with a number of high-profile players, including future NFL prospects, helping them refine their techniques and prepare for the next level. His ability to connect with players and push them to reach their potential was a major asset for Ohio State.

In addition to his work on the field, Thomas’s departure also represents a loss in terms of recruiting. As one of Ohio State’s premier assistant coaches, Thomas helped the Buckeyes land some of the top defensive line recruits in the country. His reputation as a coach who could develop players into NFL-caliber prospects made him a valuable asset in the recruiting process. With his departure, Ryan Day will need to find a new coach who can maintain the momentum Thomas built in terms of both player development and recruiting.

2. Ryan Day’s Coaching Tree and Stability

While Ryan Day’s program is often associated with its high-powered offense, Day has worked tirelessly to build a comprehensive coaching staff that can lead all aspects of the team. The loss of another assistant coach to the NFL speaks to the success of Day’s program and the recognition of the talent and potential within his staff. However, it also presents a challenge for Day in maintaining stability within the program. Each time one of his assistants departs for a higher-level position, it requires a period of adjustment and often necessitates a search for a suitable replacement. This cycle of turnover can be challenging, particularly when it comes to recruiting and maintaining consistency in coaching philosophy.

Ryan Day is no stranger to coaching turnover, having experienced several changes to his staff since taking over as head coach in 2019. While he has been able to bring in highly qualified replacements, the challenge of maintaining continuity in the coaching ranks will always be an ongoing task. The fact that Ohio State continues to lose assistant coaches to the NFL underscores the strength of the program, but it also means that Day will have to work harder to ensure that the program’s success remains sustainable.

3. Opportunity for Internal Promotion

While losing an assistant coach like Thomas is undoubtedly a setback, it also presents an opportunity for Ohio State to promote from within. The Buckeyes have a number of talented position coaches who could be ready for a larger role within the program. For example, Larry Johnson, Ohio State’s defensive line coach, is widely regarded as one of the best in the business, and while Johnson has been with the program for several years, his reputation for developing NFL-caliber defensive linemen could make him a natural candidate to take on additional responsibilities or oversee a larger portion of the defensive unit.

Similarly, other assistant coaches within the defensive coaching staff could step up to help fill the void left by Thomas’s departure. By promoting from within, Ohio State can maintain some continuity and ensure that the program’s culture remains intact. Additionally, promoting current coaches can signal to recruits that Ohio State is committed to developing its staff and providing opportunities for growth within the program.

What’s Next for Ohio State?

In the wake of Keir Thomas’s departure, Ohio State will likely begin a search for a new defensive line coach. The Buckeyes will need to find someone who can continue the legacy that Thomas left behind while also bringing new ideas to the table. The ideal candidate will need to possess a strong understanding of defensive line play, a proven track record of developing talent, and the ability to connect with and motivate players.

The search for Thomas’s replacement will also be an important test for Ryan Day as he continues to navigate the challenges of maintaining a top-tier football program. As the Buckeyes aim for another Big Ten title and a potential College Football Playoff appearance, Day will need to ensure that the team’s defensive line remains one of the most dominant units in the country.