A defensive coordinator is needed for Ohio State football. Who is Ryan Day going to hire?
Sure! Here’s a detailed exploration of who Ryan Day might hire as a defensive coordinator for Ohio State football:
In the world of college football, the role of a defensive coordinator is one of the most critical positions on a team. The defense sets the tone, can change the momentum of a game, and often determines whether a team will be able to compete at the highest level. This is especially true for a powerhouse program like Ohio State, which has consistently been a national contender under head coach Ryan Day. However, after several seasons where the Buckeyes’ defense has been scrutinized for its inconsistency, Day is now faced with the task of hiring a new defensive coordinator.
Day, known for his offensive expertise, has already made significant strides in creating one of the most dynamic offenses in college football. But if Ohio State is to take the next step and return to the pinnacle of college football with another national championship, its defense needs to be equally dominant. That’s where the new defensive coordinator will come in.
The question on many Ohio State fans’ minds is simple: Who will Ryan Day hire to fill this pivotal role? Day’s choice will likely be influenced by several factors, including the current state of the defense, the kind of scheme he wants to run, and the balance between experience, recruiting ability, and potential long-term success.
The State of Ohio State’s Defense
Before diving into potential candidates, it’s important to assess the state of Ohio State’s defense. The Buckeyes have consistently had one of the most talented rosters in the country, with blue-chip recruits at nearly every position. However, the defense has been somewhat inconsistent over the past few seasons, particularly in high-stakes games against teams with powerful offenses.
While Ohio State’s defense has shown flashes of brilliance—producing standout players like Chase Young, Nick Bosa, and Denzel Burke—it has often struggled with discipline, consistency, and execution, especially against mobile quarterbacks and spread offenses. Additionally, there have been times when the Buckeyes’ defense has appeared soft in key moments, giving up big plays in crucial games. This led to the decision to part ways with former defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs after the 2021 season, marking a pivotal moment in the Buckeyes’ search for someone who can bring the defense to the same level of dominance as their offense.
The new defensive coordinator will have the challenge of maximizing the immense talent available on the roster, improving fundamentals, and adapting to the ever-evolving nature of college football offenses.
What Does Ryan Day Want in a Defensive Coordinator?
Ryan Day is a talented head coach with a clear vision for Ohio State football, but he’s also realistic about the need for balance on both sides of the ball. His offensive brilliance is undeniable—Day has turned Ohio State into an offensive juggernaut—but he knows that to truly compete for national championships, the Buckeyes need to be well-rounded. His defensive coordinator must possess several key traits:
- Ability to Develop Players: Ohio State recruits some of the best defensive talent in the country, but developing that talent into elite, ready-for-the-NFL players is key. Day needs a defensive coordinator who can not only recruit but also develop players into top-tier contributors. This means focusing on player development, refining techniques, and ensuring that defensive backs, linebackers, and defensive linemen all perform at a high level.
- Adaptability: College football offenses are increasingly dynamic and multifaceted, with the spread, up-tempo offenses, and dual-threat quarterbacks challenging traditional defensive schemes. Day is looking for a coordinator who can adapt to the evolving nature of college football offenses, while also being able to adjust schemes in-game based on what the opposing team is doing.
- Aggression and Discipline: Day will likely want a coordinator who balances aggressive playcalling with disciplined execution. In the past, Ohio State’s defense has been criticized for being too passive or lacking in a killer instinct. A new defensive coordinator must bring a mentality of being on the attack, forcing turnovers, and getting off the field on third downs, while still ensuring that players maintain their discipline and assignment responsibilities.
- Recruiting Prowess: Ohio State consistently pulls in top defensive talent from across the country, but a great defensive coordinator must also be an elite recruiter. Day needs a coach who can not only maintain the program’s high standards but also continue to add top-tier recruits, especially in key areas such as defensive line, linebacker, and defensive back.
Potential Candidates for Defensive Coordinator
There are numerous coaches who could fit the bill for Ohio State’s defensive coordinator position. Below are a few of the most plausible candidates Ryan Day may consider:
1. Jim Knowles (Former Oklahoma State Defensive Coordinator)
Jim Knowles is one of the most widely discussed names for the defensive coordinator role at Ohio State. He recently took over as the defensive coordinator at Ohio State after a successful tenure at Oklahoma State, where his defenses consistently ranked among the nation’s best. Knowles’ defenses are known for being aggressive, disciplined, and highly organized, making him a natural fit for the Buckeyes.
At Oklahoma State, Knowles took a unit that had been underperforming and transformed it into one of the best in the Big 12. His defensive schemes are based on a mix of traditional 4-3 and modern 3-4 fronts, allowing for flexibility in how he approaches different teams and offenses. Knowles also emphasizes takeaways, blitzing, and solid coverage in the secondary, which could be exactly what Ohio State needs to improve on its defensive consistency.
What stands out about Knowles is his ability to adapt. He’s coached against many high-powered offenses, including spread and dual-threat quarterbacks, and has found ways to neutralize them. His defenses have been known to take calculated risks, applying pressure when necessary, but also maintaining disciplined assignments. This type of coaching philosophy could be a great fit for Day’s philosophy of needing an aggressive yet disciplined defense to complement Ohio State’s high-flying offense.
2. Al Washington (Current Ohio State Linebackers Coach)
Another potential candidate is Al Washington, Ohio State’s current linebackers coach. Washington has deep ties to the program and has built strong relationships with the players, which could make him an appealing internal hire. Washington is known for his passion, leadership, and ability to develop players. He has proven himself as a coach who understands the intricacies of defensive schemes and how to adjust on the fly. His promotion to defensive coordinator could be seen as a logical progression, given his understanding of Ohio State’s culture and recruiting network.
Washington is a highly respected recruiter, and his experience coaching the linebackers at Ohio State means he already has a firm grasp of the defensive personnel and how to utilize them effectively. If Day is looking for continuity and stability, Washington could be the perfect choice to step into the defensive coordinator role.
3. Kerry Coombs (Former Defensive Coordinator)
Although Kerry Coombs was let go after the 2021 season, his tenure at Ohio State still resonates with many fans and players. Coombs is known for his infectious energy, his deep knowledge of the game, and his recruiting prowess. During his time at Ohio State, Coombs helped build one of the nation’s top secondaries, with standout players like Denzel Ward and Jeffrey Okudah. While his defensive strategies often came under fire, particularly regarding coverage schemes, his familiarity with Ohio State’s defensive system and his strong relationships with recruits could make him a viable candidate for a return to the Buckeyes’ staff.
Coombs’ passion for Ohio State and his ability to inspire players could make him an asset in the defensive coordinator role if Day felt that a familiar face could elevate the defense. It’s also possible that Coombs could return in a different capacity, perhaps as a position coach or assistant defensive coordinator, but his return as the main defensive coordinator might be unlikely given the criticism he faced during his previous tenure.
4. Pete Golding (Alabama Defensive Coordinator)
Pete Golding has been the defensive coordinator at Alabama for several years and has helped the program maintain its dominance on that side of the ball. Known for his ability to coach elite talent and for running a highly disciplined, fast, and aggressive defense, Golding could bring an invaluable level of experience to Ohio State.
Under Golding’s guidance, Alabama has consistently been among the nation’s top defenses, regularly ranking in the top 10 in total defense, passing defense, and sacks. His ability to handle the pressure of coaching in the Southeastern Conference and managing the expectations of an elite program like Alabama is a trait Day might find appealing. Golding’s experience in developing elite talent and adapting to different styles of offense could help the Buckeyes take their defense to the next level.
5. Brent Venables (Former Clemson Defensive Coordinator, Now Head Coach at Oklahoma)
Brent Venables is one of the most well-respected defensive minds in college football, known for his work at Clemson, where he built one of the most aggressive, disciplined, and successful defenses in the country. His schemes are known for their ability to shut down high-powered offenses, especially in critical games like the College Football Playoff.
Venables’ reputation for producing NFL-ready defensive players and his ability to recruit top-tier talent could make him an ideal choice for Ohio State. However, after taking the head coaching job at Oklahoma, it’s unlikely that he would be available to take on a defensive coordinator role at Ohio State. Still, his success at Clemson and his leadership in key defensive moments are the qualities Day would likely want in a coordinator if Venables were available.
