Ohio State is once again on the hunt for its next offensive coordinator following the surprising departure of Chip Kelly, who left to take the same position with the Las Vegas Raiders. Kelly's decision was made public shortly after Ohio State claimed its first national championship title since 2022, marking the end of what was once considered his redemption arc amid his various ups and downs as coach.
The void left by Kelly—a high-profile hire last season—adds pressure to head coach Ryan Day, as this marks his third offensive coordinator search within two years. Still reeling from Kelly's high-profile departure, Day is tasked with finding someone who can maintain Ohio State's explosive offensive prowess. Even after such incredible success, the coaching carousel keeps spinning.
Chip Kelly’s time with the Buckeyes was brief but impactful. He was brought in after Bill O’Brien quickly departed to become head coach at Boston College. Kelly’s offensive strategy helped solidify Ohio State's capabilities, leading them to average 35.7 points per game—their best offensive output since 2019. The Buckeyes even ranked second among Big Ten teams and ended their playoff run with explosive performances against some of the top defenses. It’s no wonder Kelly moved on to the highest-paying coordinator position at roughly $6 million per year with the Raiders.
But who can fill his shoes? Ryan Day's current roster has formidable talent—especially among skill positions and with the upcoming arrival of standout recruits—but they will have to adapt to another new system. Internally, the most talked-about candidate is Brian Hartline. Currently Ohio State’s wide receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator, Hartline has done impressive work on the recruiting trail, bringing elite talents like Marvin Harrison Jr. and others to Columbus. While promoting Hartline could lend continuity, doubts remain about whether Day views him as ready to step up and call plays.
There’s already considerable speculation surrounding Hartline's potential as he has held the co-offensive coordinator title since last season. Although he wasn’t the primary play-caller under Kelly, his upward mobility is expected now as rumors suggest he may be Day's favored choice. Hartline is also seen as integral to keeping Ohio State's potent offense functioning, especially with the upward momentum they’ve established.
On the flip side, Ohio State might also look outside its current staff for fresh ideas and experience. One prominent name is Kevin Wilson, the former Buckeyes OC from 2017 to 2022, who previously achieved notable success with Day, leading to high-scoring units. Recently let go from Tulsa, Wilson could provide the familiarity and dependable framework Ohio State craves as it strives for consistency. Should Day opt to bring back Wilson, it’s conceivable he’d be a dual hire as offensive line coach, meaning two vacancies could be filled with one strategic move.
Another intriguing option might be Joe Moorhead, current head coach at Akron but previously successful as OC at other programs, including Penn State and Oregon. He has direct experience with Ohio State, having crafted dynamic offenses at high-profile schools. While his coaching record at Akron hasn’t sparkled, his expertise and reputation as an offensive architect remain intact. With insights gleaned from past roles, Moorhead could successfully reinvigorate the Buckeyes’ offense.
Other names floating around include Will Stein from Oregon, whose offenses have ranked consistently within the top 20 nationally, and anyone familiar with building effective systems such as Andy Kotelnicki from Penn State. Those familiar with the insights and nuances evident from the Buckeyes' rivalry could also pique Day's interest.
Along with assessing these potential hires, Ryan Day has the additional challenge of ensuring there’s continuity on his coaching staff—something pivotal as they look to cultivate their young offensive talent, including the newly arriving quarterback hopefuls. With uncertainty looming over who will take the helm, every decision will heavily impact Ohio State's immediate and long-term success. Factors guiding this decision also involve keeping up with competitive rivalries within the Big Ten and maintaining momentum as they revisit championship ambitions.
The clock is ticking for Ryan Day to find the right fit to lead Ohio State's offense—an oversight pivotal not only for his upcoming season but for the foundational direction of the Buckeyes. The excitement evolves but so too does the need for solid leadership against the tactical pressures mounted by rival schools.
With the search for the next offensive coordinator officially under way, Ohio State must act thoughtfully to avoid being caught flat-footed, ensuring all the hard-earned victories aren't overshadowed by instability. Who will emerge from the coaching mix, and can they carry on the storied tradition of Ohio State football?