Why Justin Frye, a former offensive line coach at Ohio State, was hired by the Arizona Cardinals

In the ever-evolving world of NFL coaching, one name that has garnered attention in recent months is Justin Frye. Known for his work as the offensive line coach at Ohio State University, Frye’s journey to becoming part of the Arizona Cardinals’ coaching staff represents not just a personal achievement, but also a smart and strategic decision by the Cardinals to strengthen their coaching staff and fortify their offensive line. This move may seem surprising at first, but Frye’s pedigree, success at Ohio State, and his potential for helping shape the Cardinals’ future quickly make sense in context.

This article will take a deep dive into why Justin Frye, a former offensive line coach at Ohio State, was hired by the Arizona Cardinals, analyzing the factors that led to his departure from the Buckeyes and how his experience will impact the Cardinals.

Justin Frye’s Coaching Journey and Development at Ohio State

Justin Frye’s career trajectory has been one of steady growth, with a consistent focus on offensive line development. Prior to his tenure at Ohio State, Frye had a varied coaching career, with stops at multiple universities where he helped build powerful offensive lines that played pivotal roles in their respective teams’ successes. His journey from coaching at the college level to landing an NFL position speaks to his coaching acumen, particularly in the area of offensive line play.

Before joining Ohio State in 2021, Frye made a name for himself at Boston College, where he helped transform the Eagles’ offensive line into one of the best in the nation. During his tenure as offensive line coach, Frye was instrumental in the development of several players who went on to have successful professional careers. His success at Boston College caught the eye of many programs, including Ohio State, which was looking for a coach who could build upon the legacy of their elite offensive line play.

Frye’s hiring at Ohio State was seen as a great move for a program already known for its strong offensive line tradition. Under head coach Ryan Day, the Buckeyes had established themselves as one of the nation’s most dominant programs, and Frye’s experience coaching big, powerful offensive lines fit perfectly with Ohio State’s emphasis on controlling the line of scrimmage.

In his two years at Ohio State, Frye was able to continue the program’s impressive history of developing top-tier offensive linemen. Ohio State’s offensive line during Frye’s time as coach was consistently ranked among the best in the nation. In addition to developing talented players, Frye also contributed to the team’s offensive success as a whole, helping guide them to high-powered performances in both the Big Ten and nationally. Under Frye, the Buckeyes’ offensive line consistently displayed a physical and disciplined approach to the game, which was critical to their overall offensive success.

Frye was particularly adept at shaping players into top NFL prospects. His ability to balance the technical side of coaching with the mental toughness required to succeed at the highest level made him one of the most respected offensive line coaches in college football. He worked with players to improve their footwork, hand placement, and ability to read defenses—key elements that are vital at the NFL level.

Why the Arizona Cardinals Were Interested in Justin Frye

The Arizona Cardinals’ decision to hire Justin Frye as part of their coaching staff comes at a time when the team is looking to rebuild and improve across multiple areas, including the offensive line. The Cardinals have faced challenges in their offensive line play in recent years, and the franchise is seeking ways to bolster its roster for future success. With a new head coach in Jonathan Gannon, the Cardinals are looking to establish a strong, physical foundation on both sides of the ball, and Frye’s experience coaching top-tier offensive lines made him a natural fit for the job.

A major factor in the hiring of Frye was his reputation for developing offensive linemen capable of playing at the highest levels. As the NFL has seen a growing emphasis on the importance of a solid offensive line—especially when it comes to protecting franchise quarterbacks—teams are increasingly seeking coaches who can build cohesive, effective units. The Arizona Cardinals, looking to protect young quarterback Kyler Murray and create more consistency in their running game, saw Frye as someone who could immediately help shape their offensive line into a more dominant and effective group.

Development of Kyler Murray and the Offensive Line

Kyler Murray, the Arizona Cardinals’ star quarterback, is undoubtedly one of the most electrifying players in the NFL. However, for Murray to reach his full potential and avoid injury, it’s imperative that he has a strong offensive line in front of him. Protecting Murray from the pressure of opposing pass rushers and providing him with enough time to make plays will be a priority for the Cardinals in the coming seasons.

This is where Frye’s expertise comes into play. In his previous roles, Frye has worked with quarterbacks who have had similar skill sets to Murray—mobile quarterbacks who rely on a combination of quick decision-making and athleticism to evade pressure. Frye knows that developing a line that can block effectively on both pass protection and run blocking will be key to allowing Murray to maximize his potential. Frye’s proven track record in developing offensive lines that protect their quarterbacks and create room for running backs makes him an invaluable addition to the Cardinals’ coaching staff.

Moreover, Frye’s ability to work with players across a range of skill levels gives him an edge in developing a cohesive offensive line. Whether it’s working with young players like the Cardinals’ rookie offensive linemen or helping to refine more experienced players, Frye’s ability to adapt to different personalities and skill sets will be crucial in shaping the Cardinals’ offensive line into a formidable unit.

Rebuilding the Arizona Cardinals Offensive Line

The Arizona Cardinals have undergone significant changes in recent seasons, and their offensive line has been one of the areas in need of rebuilding. In 2023, the offensive line struggled with consistency, both in protecting the quarterback and in establishing a strong running game. The Cardinals ranked near the bottom in several offensive line categories, including sacks allowed and rushing yards per game. As a result, bringing in a coach with a proven ability to turn around offensive line play was crucial for the franchise.

Frye’s background, particularly in transforming struggling offensive lines into formidable units, made him a perfect fit for the task. His coaching philosophy focuses on developing both individual players and the group as a whole, and he has a reputation for getting the most out of his players. Under Frye, offensive lines have consistently improved in areas such as communication, technique, and discipline—qualities that are essential for success at the NFL level.

Additionally, Frye’s ability to instill toughness in his players was an important factor in his hiring by the Cardinals. The NFL is a league where offensive lines must possess a certain level of mental and physical toughness to succeed. Frye has proven time and again that he can cultivate that mentality, and that’s exactly what the Cardinals need to re-establish their offensive line as a strength.

Building a Strong Foundation for the Future

Hiring Justin Frye also signals a broader strategic shift for the Arizona Cardinals. With Gannon taking the helm as head coach, there is an emphasis on building a team from the ground up, focusing on a strong offensive line as the foundation for sustained success. Gannon, who came from a defensive background, understands the importance of controlling the line of scrimmage, and he sees Frye as the ideal coach to execute that vision.

For the Cardinals, this is a long-term investment. Frye’s expertise in developing offensive linemen who can compete at the highest level, combined with his ability to work with young players and veterans alike, will allow the franchise to build a unit that can compete for years to come. Frye is also known for his ability to develop players into NFL-ready athletes, which will be a key asset as the Cardinals look to improve their draft strategy and develop talent from within.

Frye’s Legacy of Success and Future Impact

As Frye transitions to the NFL, it’s clear that he brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. His ability to adapt to different systems and work with various types of offensive linemen is exactly what the Arizona Cardinals need to elevate their offensive line play. With his focus on technique, mental toughness, and team chemistry, Frye is poised to help the Cardinals build a more dynamic and consistent offensive line.

In the end, Justin Frye’s hiring is a decision that aligns with the Arizona Cardinals’ long-term goals of creating a balanced and competitive team. As the franchise works to develop Kyler Murray, improve its offensive production, and ultimately get back into contention, Frye’s impact will be felt immediately. His expertise and coaching style will be instrumental in the Cardinals’ ability to control the line of scrimmage and set the foundation for future success.

With Frye in the fold, the Arizona Cardinals are well-positioned to turn their offensive line into a key strength of the team. His background, success at Ohio State, and ability to develop talent make him one of the most exciting hires of the season for the Cardinals. As he transitions to the NFL, Frye’s leadership will play a pivotal role in the team’s future success, and the results will likely be seen in both improved individual player performances and better overall offensive line play.