One of Ohio State football’s offensive staff members is leaving for the NFL.

Ohio State football has long been one of the premier programs in college football, known for developing top-tier talent, both on the field and in the coaching ranks. However, with the success and prominence of the Buckeyes’ offense, it’s no surprise that many members of Ohio State’s coaching staff attract attention from the NFL. Recently, one of Ohio State’s key offensive staff members, a rising star in the college coaching world, has made the decision to leave Columbus for a coveted role in the NFL. This move is sure to have significant implications for the Buckeyes as they attempt to remain competitive at the highest level in college football.

The Departure of a Key Offensive Staff Member

The news broke that Ohio State’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach (or another critical role depending on who the person is) has decided to take their talents to the NFL, marking a key loss for head coach Ryan Day’s staff. This departure comes at a time when the Buckeyes are preparing to challenge for national championships in the upcoming seasons. Losing a key member of the coaching staff can be a significant blow, but for a program like Ohio State, it also opens the door for new opportunities and growth.

While the identity of the coach leaving may vary depending on the most recent events or sources, the departure is a symbol of the high caliber of coaching that has made Ohio State’s offense one of the most feared in college football. The Buckeyes have had a track record of developing high-caliber quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs, all while consistently ranking near the top of the NCAA in total offense and points scored.

What Led to the Departure?

In college football, especially at major programs like Ohio State, it’s no secret that coaches often leverage successful seasons to advance their careers. College football assistants, even those on elite staffs, know that NFL teams are constantly looking for new talent to bring on board. Ohio State has long been a breeding ground for NFL-bound talent, both in terms of players and coaching staff.

For many coaches, the NFL represents the pinnacle of their careers, where they can coach at the highest level of competition and in front of the world’s best players. For a coach with a proven track record at Ohio State, this type of move might be seen as the natural next step in their career progression. The appeal of coaching professional athletes and being a part of a multi-billion dollar league with global exposure can be difficult to resist, especially for those who have reached the peak of their coaching career in college football.

Furthermore, the NFL offers significant financial incentives that can be hard for any college program to match. The allure of coaching NFL quarterbacks or wide receivers in an environment where the stakes are much higher may be an undeniable draw for a coach looking to make their mark on the professional stage.

The Impact on Ohio State’s Offense

The departure of one of Ohio State’s top offensive staff members could have a major impact on the program’s offensive scheme, player development, and recruiting efforts. For a team as high-profile as Ohio State, the ripple effect of losing a coach can be far-reaching. However, it’s essential to understand the broader context of the program and how Ohio State typically responds to these types of challenges.

1. Scheme and System Changes: The most immediate effect of losing an offensive staff member will likely be a change in scheme or adjustments in how the offense operates. Ohio State has been known for running a high-powered, up-tempo offense that places heavy emphasis on both the passing and running games. The Buckeyes have had some of the best quarterbacks in the nation, including Justin Fields and C.J. Stroud, who benefited from an offensive system designed to maximize their skill sets. A change in coaching could lead to slight adjustments in the play-calling and offensive philosophy, especially if the new hire brings in a fresh perspective or prefers a different approach to offensive football.

If the departing coach was integral to the development of the offensive system, Ohio State might have to invest additional time and resources in ensuring that the team doesn’t lose its edge in terms of offensive playcalling and execution. The good news for Ohio State is that head coach Ryan Day, known for his offensive mind and innovation, has a strong reputation as a play-caller, and he has shown an ability to adapt to new situations in the past.

2. Player Development and Leadership: The offensive coordinator or coach often plays a crucial role in the development of quarterbacks and other offensive playmakers. Ohio State has produced multiple high-drafted quarterbacks in recent years, and much of their success can be attributed to the expertise of the coaching staff. Losing a key coach could impact the development of the next wave of Buckeye quarterbacks or skill position players, who may have been relying on that coach’s expertise to take their game to the next level.

For instance, Ohio State has continually developed NFL-caliber wide receivers, and the loss of a key coach could impact the Buckeyes’ ability to recruit and develop future stars at the position. Quarterbacks like Fields, Stroud, and Dwayne Haskins were all nurtured under Ohio State’s offensive system, and the program has maintained a legacy of success at the position. A change in the coaching staff will need to take this into consideration to ensure that Ohio State’s offensive juggernaut doesn’t slow down.

3. Recruiting Challenges: Recruiting is one of the biggest challenges that any coaching staff faces, and losing a key member of the staff can make it more difficult to secure high-profile commitments. Recruits often choose programs based on the offensive style and the staff’s ability to develop them for the next level. If a coach who has been instrumental in building relationships with top recruits leaves, it could impact Ohio State’s ability to land future stars.

Ohio State has a strong recruiting network and the appeal of playing for a program with a history of sending players to the NFL. However, recruits also commit to the vision and leadership of the coaches who are involved in their recruitment. If the new staff member is not able to establish the same level of rapport with prospects, Ohio State could face a short-term recruiting setback.

4. Continuity vs. Change: At the same time, Ohio State is known for its ability to maintain continuity and adapt to change. Ryan Day, who took over as head coach in 2019, has already shown that he can bring in new staff members without disrupting the program’s success. The Buckeyes’ offensive success under Day’s leadership is a testament to the ability to stay competitive while integrating new ideas. With the right replacement in place, Ohio State can continue to thrive and maintain its spot among the nation’s elite programs.

5. Coaching Replacement: In college football, coaching changes often lead to immediate speculation about who will take over the vacant role. Ohio State has the resources and the appeal to attract top-tier coaching talent from both the college and professional ranks. Ryan Day and athletic director Gene Smith will likely have a list of candidates who can seamlessly transition into the program and keep the Buckeyes’ offense humming. Whether the replacement comes from within the current staff or from outside the program, Ohio State has proven time and again that it can adjust and thrive even in the face of significant changes.

What’s Next for Ohio State?

As Ohio State prepares for the 2025 season, the loss of one of its top offensive staff members will certainly add a layer of uncertainty. However, the Buckeyes’ resilience and ability to adapt have allowed them to stay at the top of the college football world despite challenges in the past. The program will likely focus on finding a coach who can build on the foundation that has already been established and continue developing Ohio State’s offensive weapons to compete for championships.

Ultimately, this situation is yet another reminder of how quickly the landscape of college football can shift. Success breeds attention, and Ohio State’s success has attracted top-tier coaching talent from around the nation. While the loss of an important staff member may sting in the short term, Ohio State’s legacy of excellence and the leadership of Ryan Day will ensure that the program continues to compete at the highest level.

In conclusion, Ohio State will move forward from this departure with an eye toward maintaining the excellence it has established under Day’s leadership. While it’s a setback, it’s one that the Buckeyes will undoubtedly overcome. As the search for the next offensive leader begins, Buckeye fans can rest assured that Ohio State’s offensive dominance isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.