Ryan Day sparked plenty of conversation when he hired Bill O’Brien as his offensive coordinator in January, but now the Ohio State Buckeyes must replace him. O’Brien took the head coaching job at Boston College, leaving Ohio State with another coordinator search. So who should they consider? We look at five coaches that would fit well with the Buckeyes offense.
Top Ohio State Offensive Coordinator Candidates
Chip Kelly, UCLA Head Coach
At this rate, it would be a surprise if Chip Kelly stayed at UCLA. After rumors tied him to multiple NFL jobs, as well as some college positions, the Bruins head coach might as well be out the door.
The Bruins fanbase also appears to be tiring of the Kelly experiment, so it might be best for both sides if he leaves. His offense finished 70th in scoring last year, though it did finish 32nd in total yards. Kelly’s still a great offensive mind, and pairing that skill set with Day could have incredible potential.
Tommy Reese, Former Alabama Offensive Coordinator
I don’t know how many lists will have Tommy Reese on it, but he should be. After his work last year, Reese deserves another job as an offensive coordinator for a big school. His ability to elevate Jalen Milroe’s game deserves credit, and he’d inherit a loaded offense with Ohio State.
Ohio State is looking to get back to running the ball more, and Reese knows how to call an offense like that. He’d get to work with a less volatile quarterback in Will Howard and walk into arguably the best backfield in the country with TreVeyon Henderson and Ole Miss transfer Quinshon Judkins.
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills Interim Offensive Coordinator
It’s only a matter of time before Joe Brady gets another official job as a coordinator, so why not Ohio State? His best work came when he was the co-offensive coordinator at LSU during their record-breaking run in 2019, and Ohio State could use an offensive mind like that.
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The one concern with the former Broyles Award winner would be how long he’d stick around because he’s a coach on the rise at 34 years old. Still, Ohio State’s looking to go all in for the 2024 season, and they can continue that by making a better hire at offensive coordinator.
Joe Moorhead, Akron Head Coach
Again, if Ohio State truly wants to run the ball more, then guys like Joe Moorhead should be on the list. While Moorhead wanted to be a head coach, he might not be leaving Akron on his own terms at this rate. If Ohio State came calling, he should seriously consider the opportunity.
Moorhead’s time as a signal-caller shows he knows what to do with a mobile quarterback. He produced some of the more exciting college football offenses, and Ohio State has the personnel to add another unit to that list.
Dan Mullen, ESPN Analyst
Another former Mississippi State head coach and brilliant offensive mind, Dan Mullen will be back in coaching before we know it. At least, that’s how it feels. He may want another head coaching position, but he might have to work back up to that level. That start could come as a coordinator.
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The pairing of Mullen and Day brings electric potential to Ohio State’s offense, and the move could benefit both parties. Mullen was linked to a couple of jobs during this past coaching carousel, but his lack of movement led people to believe that he’s waiting for the right job. Calling plays for a potential national title contender could be exactly what he wants — and needs.
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