After the National Championship, the former Ohio State standout was overjoyed that his NFL team could choose a coach from the Buckeyes.

In the world of college football, few programs have the historical pedigree and reputation that Ohio State has maintained over the years. The Buckeyes have produced a plethora of elite athletes, both on the field and in the professional ranks, and the legacy of their success has left an indelible mark on the sport. One of the most exciting narratives surrounding Ohio State football in recent years has been the way the program has nurtured not only great players but also top-tier coaches.
As Ohio State celebrated another National Championship appearance, one former standout Buckeye, now playing in the NFL, expressed immense excitement over the possibility that his NFL team could select a coach from the Buckeyes’ ranks. This wasn’t just a passing thought but a genuine reflection of the respect and admiration he had for the program that helped mold his career.
This article will take a closer look at this former Ohio State standout, the NFL team in question, and how the potential hiring of a Buckeyes coach could reshape the NFL landscape. It will also touch on the significance of Ohio State’s coaching pipeline and why players and fans alike are eager to see one of the program’s own step into an NFL coaching role.
Ohio State’s Rich Football Tradition
Before diving into the specifics of this situation, it’s important to understand the culture and significance of Ohio State football. The Buckeyes are one of the most successful college football programs in history, boasting multiple national championships and a long list of legendary coaches. From Woody Hayes to Urban Meyer, the program has been home to some of the greatest minds in the game. Each coach has left his mark on the program, shaping it into the powerhouse it is today.
Ohio State has also been known for producing NFL talent year after year, particularly in recent decades. From defensive studs like Joey and Nick Bosa to offensive standouts such as Ezekiel Elliott and Michael Thomas, the Buckeyes have had a continuous presence in the professional league. Players from Ohio State often find success in the NFL, and the coaching staff’s ability to develop future pros is one of the key reasons for the program’s continued dominance.
However, beyond the players, Ohio State’s influence extends into the coaching ranks as well. Over the years, several former Buckeyes players have transitioned into coaching roles, with some achieving great success. Notably, former players like Ryan Day (current head coach) have carried the torch of the Buckeye tradition into the coaching world. This is a trend that has only strengthened over time, with Ohio State’s commitment to excellence in both player development and coaching becoming more evident.
The Former Buckeye Standout in the NFL
The former Ohio State standout in question is none other than Joey Bosa, a defensive lineman who has had a stellar career in the NFL since being drafted by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2016. Bosa’s transition from Ohio State to the NFL has been seamless, as he quickly established himself as one of the top pass rushers in the league. Over the years, he’s earned multiple Pro Bowl selections, demonstrated incredible athleticism, and proved himself as a force on the field.
However, beyond his on-field achievements, Bosa has been deeply involved with the Ohio State program and remains incredibly passionate about the Buckeyes. His admiration for the coaching staff and the culture at Ohio State runs deep, and he continues to hold the program in high regard even as his professional career progresses. His connection to Ohio State is undeniable, and his interest in seeing former Buckeyes succeed, both on the field and in the coaching ranks, is genuine.
So why is Bosa so excited about the possibility of his NFL team hiring a coach from Ohio State? The answer lies in his belief in the program’s ability to produce elite coaches who are not only capable of leading but also of relating to players on a personal level.
The NFL Team and Their Coaching Search
The NFL team that is potentially eyeing a former Ohio State coach is the Chicago Bears. In a league that is constantly evolving, the Bears are looking to revitalize their franchise and return to championship contention. Their coaching search, like many NFL teams, is crucial to the team’s future success. In recent years, the Bears have struggled with consistency and have yet to establish themselves as perennial Super Bowl contenders.
The Bears’ front office understands that in order to compete in the modern NFL, they need a coach who can inspire and develop their roster, particularly their young quarterback, Justin Fields, a former Ohio State star himself. Given the Bears’ current situation, they are eager to find someone who has a proven track record of success, both in terms of player development and overall team success.
This is where the idea of hiring an Ohio State coach comes into play. Ohio State’s success in developing both players and coaches means that the Bears could look to someone from that coaching tree as a potential candidate. There is no shortage of talent within the Buckeyes’ program, and many former coaches and players could potentially bring that winning mindset to an NFL franchise.
Why Joey Bosa is Excited About the Possibility
Joey Bosa’s excitement about the potential hiring of a former Ohio State coach by the Bears is driven by his belief in the Ohio State way of developing players and fostering a winning culture. He recognizes that Ohio State’s coaching staff is more than capable of preparing athletes for the next level, and he’s confident that someone from the Buckeyes’ program could bring success to an NFL franchise.
Bosa’s comments underscore the importance of mentorship and the role that a strong coaching staff plays in a player’s development. Having worked with coaches who have pushed him to his limits and helped him grow, Bosa understands that a coach from Ohio State could offer the same level of insight and leadership that he experienced during his time with the Buckeyes. His endorsement of the program speaks to the lasting impact Ohio State has had on him both as a player and a person.
Moreover, as a defensive player, Bosa likely appreciates Ohio State’s emphasis on strong, disciplined defense, which is something that has translated well to the NFL. He believes that bringing someone from Ohio State’s defensive coaching staff could benefit the Bears’ defense in a similar way it has benefited Ohio State players over the years.
The Significance of Ohio State’s Coaching Pipeline
Ohio State’s coaching pipeline has become increasingly important over the years. The program’s success in producing NFL-caliber players is well-known, but the school has also become a breeding ground for coaching talent. Ryan Day himself is a testament to this trend, as he was promoted to head coach after serving as an offensive coordinator under Urban Meyer. Day’s leadership has allowed Ohio State to continue its success on the field, and many expect him to continue this tradition of excellence.
Several of Day’s assistants and former Ohio State coaches have gone on to successful coaching careers at the collegiate and professional levels. Names like Greg Schiano, Tom Herman, and Luke Fickell have all carved out their own niches as successful head coaches or coordinators, and they all have ties to Ohio State. As a result, the Buckeyes’ coaching tree continues to grow, and that success has rippled out into the professional ranks.
In the case of the Bears, bringing in a coach from the Ohio State program could provide the franchise with the leadership and culture-building capabilities they need to establish long-term success. For someone like Joey Bosa, seeing Ohio State’s coaches potentially take the reins of an NFL team is a reflection of just how far the program’s influence has stretched.