Following Jim Knowles’ departure, three possible DC fits for the Ohio State Buckeyes

Sure! Below is a detailed exploration of three potential candidates for the defensive coordinator position at Ohio State, following Jim Knowles’ rumored departure.

Following Jim Knowles’ Departure, Three Possible DC Fits for the Ohio State Buckeyes

Ohio State football has long been a program with championship aspirations, consistently competing for Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff berths. Under Ryan Day’s leadership, the Buckeyes’ offense has become one of the most explosive units in college football, but their defense has often lagged behind, especially in high-profile games. Enter Jim Knowles, who was hired as the defensive coordinator in 2022 with the goal of revitalizing Ohio State’s defense and making it a more consistent and aggressive force. While Knowles showed improvement in his two years at the helm, recent rumors suggest that he may be moving on to a new opportunity, potentially at Penn State.

If Knowles indeed departs, Ohio State will be faced with the critical task of hiring a new defensive coordinator to continue the work that Knowles began, ensuring the defense reaches the same level of dominance that has been a hallmark of the Buckeyes’ offense. The next defensive coordinator will need to be someone who can adapt to the fast-evolving landscape of college football, develop elite defensive talent, and work seamlessly with Day’s offensive-minded approach.

In this essay, we will explore three potential candidates who could step into the defensive coordinator role at Ohio State: Al Washington, the Buckeyes’ current linebackers coach; Jim Leonhard, former Wisconsin defensive coordinator; and Jeremy Pruitt, the former Tennessee defensive coordinator and current Alabama assistant.

1. Al Washington (Current Ohio State Linebackers Coach)

Al Washington has been a key member of Ohio State’s coaching staff since 2019, serving as the Buckeyes’ linebackers coach. Known for his fiery passion and leadership, Washington has built strong relationships with his players and has helped develop several linebackers into NFL-caliber talent. Under his tutelage, players like Tommy Eichenberg and Steele Chambers have emerged as key defensive contributors, with Eichenberg becoming one of the top linebackers in the Big Ten.

Washington’s familiarity with Ohio State’s culture and defensive system makes him a natural internal candidate for the defensive coordinator position. His intimate knowledge of the roster, coaching style, and Day’s offensive philosophy would make for a smooth transition. Additionally, Washington is a talented recruiter, and his ability to recruit at a high level would help Ohio State maintain its dominance on the recruiting trail.

Strengths:

• Internal Familiarity: As a current member of the coaching staff, Washington knows the intricacies of Ohio State’s defense, its personnel, and its culture. He’s built trust with the players and has a strong understanding of how to navigate the unique pressures of coaching at a school with championship aspirations.
• Player Development: Washington has shown a knack for developing linebackers into elite players. Eichenberg and Chambers are prime examples of his ability to get the best out of his players, and his knowledge of the defensive scheme would allow him to continue developing other positions.
• Recruiting Ability: Washington is an excellent recruiter and has been instrumental in bringing in some of Ohio State’s top defensive recruits. His recruiting prowess would be critical in maintaining the Buckeyes’ high standards of talent acquisition.

Concerns:

• Lack of Coordinator Experience: While Washington has been a highly respected position coach, he has limited experience as a defensive coordinator at the college level. The transition from position coach to defensive coordinator can be challenging, especially in a high-pressure environment like Ohio State.
• Uncertainty with Scheme Adaptation: Washington has worked under Jim Knowles and Greg Schiano, and while he’s likely familiar with multiple defensive systems, it’s unclear how well he would be able to implement his own defensive vision. Ohio State fans may be cautious about maintaining the aggressive, flexible schemes that Knowles introduced.

Why He Fits:

If Ryan Day is looking for continuity and stability, Washington could be the ideal candidate. His familiarity with the program and the players would allow him to hit the ground running and maintain Ohio State’s defensive trajectory. Furthermore, Washington’s leadership and ability to develop players make him a strong candidate to take the next step as a coordinator, even if he has not yet been given the reins as a full defensive play-caller.

2. Jim Leonhard (Former Wisconsin Defensive Coordinator)

Jim Leonhard is one of the most highly respected defensive minds in college football. Known for his aggressive, fundamentally sound defenses, Leonhard was the defensive coordinator at Wisconsin from 2017 to 2022, during which time the Badgers consistently fielded some of the top defenses in the country. Leonhard’s defenses at Wisconsin were known for their ability to shut down opposing offenses, particularly in the passing game, thanks to his innovative schemes and high football IQ.

Leonhard, a former standout defensive back in the NFL, has a reputation for developing elite defensive backs and creating a strong, disciplined defensive front. His success at Wisconsin, along with his ability to recruit and develop talent, makes him a natural candidate for Ohio State. Furthermore, Leonhard’s connection to the Big Ten and his understanding of Ohio State’s competitive landscape would allow him to make an immediate impact in Columbus.

Strengths:

• Elite Defensive Mind: Leonhard’s track record as a defensive coordinator speaks for itself. His defenses at Wisconsin were consistently among the best in the Big Ten and the country, and he has a reputation for developing players and adapting his schemes to shut down dynamic offenses.
• Success Against High-Powered Offenses: Leonhard has faced many of the same high-powered offenses that Ohio State regularly encounters in the Big Ten, including Michigan and Penn State. His ability to neutralize elite quarterbacks and offenses would be invaluable for Ohio State’s defense.
• Player Development: Leonhard has a history of developing NFL-caliber players, particularly in the secondary. Ohio State consistently recruits top talent at defensive back, and Leonhard’s ability to maximize that talent could take the Buckeyes’ defense to the next level.

Concerns:

• Change of Scenery: While Leonhard’s success at Wisconsin was unquestionable, the transition to Ohio State would present a new set of challenges. The Buckeyes’ roster is loaded with talent, and the expectations would be sky-high from day one. Leonhard would need to adapt to the unique pressures of coaching at a school with such a high-profile football program.
• Uncertainty in Recruiting: Wisconsin has historically not recruited at the same level as Ohio State, and while Leonhard is a strong recruiter, it remains to be seen how he would handle recruiting at an elite program like Ohio State. Ensuring that the Buckeyes continue to land top-tier defensive talent would be crucial to his success.

Why He Fits:

Leonhard is one of the best defensive minds in the country, and his success at Wisconsin makes him an appealing candidate for Ohio State. His ability to shut down dynamic offenses, develop players, and bring a fresh perspective to the defense would be a great asset for Ryan Day’s program. If Day is looking for a proven defensive coordinator with experience in the Big Ten and a history of success, Leonhard would be an excellent fit.

3. Jeremy Pruitt (Former Tennessee Defensive Coordinator, Alabama Assistant)

Jeremy Pruitt has long been known as one of the top defensive minds in college football. After a successful stint as Alabama’s defensive coordinator (2016-2017), where he helped lead the Crimson Tide to multiple national championships, Pruitt took over as head coach at Tennessee. While his tenure at Tennessee was short-lived and marked by some struggles, Pruitt’s defensive expertise remains highly respected. Currently, Pruitt is an assistant coach at Alabama, where he continues to work under Nick Saban, the gold standard of college football coaching.

Pruitt’s background in developing elite defenses at Alabama, combined with his ties to the SEC, would make him a unique candidate for Ohio State. He has a wealth of experience coaching at the highest levels of college football, and his ability to develop defensive talent—particularly in the secondary—could be just what the Buckeyes need to take their defense to the next level.

Strengths:

• Championship Pedigree: Pruitt’s time at Alabama, where he helped develop some of the nation’s top defenses, gives him a proven track record of success. He’s been part of multiple national championship-winning programs and understands what it takes to build a championship defense.
• Defensive Expertise: Pruitt is known for his ability to coach all levels of the defense, particularly defensive backs and linebackers. His aggressive, physical style would fit well with Ohio State’s culture, and he would bring a no-nonsense approach to coaching the defense.
• Recruiting Success: Pruitt has been an elite recruiter at both Alabama and Tennessee, and his ability to land top defensive talent would be a huge asset for Ohio State. The Buckeyes have one of the most talented rosters in college football, and Pruitt’s recruiting skills could help keep them at the top.

Concerns:

• Recent Controversy: Pruitt’s time at Tennessee ended under difficult circumstances, including an NCAA investigation into recruiting violations. While the program was ultimately placed on probation, Pruitt’s tenure was marred by controversy. Ohio State may be cautious about bringing him in, especially given the program’s desire to maintain a clean image.
• Adjustment to Ohio State: Pruitt has spent much of his career coaching in the SEC, and transitioning to Ohio State and the Big Ten would present new challenges. While his success in the SEC is undeniable, he would need to adjust to the unique aspects of coaching in the Big Ten, particularly in terms of recruiting and developing players.

Why He Fits:

Pruitt’s championship pedigree and defensive expertise would make him an intriguing candidate for Ohio State. His experience in developing elite defenses at Alabama and his ability to recruit top-tier talent would be valuable assets for the Buckeyes. While there may be some concerns about his past at Tennessee, his ability to develop dominant defenses could be exactly what Ohio State needs to reach the next level defensively.