Ohio State Overhauls Coaching Staff, But 2025 Championship Repeat in Doubt

The Ohio State Buckeyes, fresh off their 2024 national championship, have finalized their coaching staff for the 2025 season. While the team has made some high-profile hires and promotions, questions remain about their ability to defend the title. With key departures and an evolving roster, experts warn that Ohio State could struggle to maintain its dominance in the upcoming season

Big Changes at the Top

Head coach Ryan Day has officially completed his coaching staff for 2025, bringing in several notable names to fill crucial positions. The biggest addition is Matt Patricia, a former NFL defensive coordinator and head coach, who replaces Jim Knowles as Ohio State’s new defensive coordinator. Knowles left shortly after the championship victory to take the same position at Penn State​

On the offensive side, Brian Hartline has been promoted to offensive coordinator, taking over from Chip Kelly, who departed to become the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders. Hartline, a former Buckeyes wide receiver and top recruiter, had been the team’s wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator before this promotion​

Additionally, Ohio State has made other key moves:

Billy Fessler will take over as quarterbacks coach after working as an offensive analyst.

Keenan Bailey has been elevated to co-offensive coordinator, continuing to coach tight ends.

Tyler Bowen has been brought in as offensive line coach after spending three seasons at Virginia Tech.

Carlos Locklyn remains as running backs coach for his second season in Columbus.

Tim Walton and Matt Guerrieri have been promoted to co-defensive coordinator and pass game coordinator, respectively​

With these changes, Day has emphasized continuity while adding fresh perspectives to his staff. However, these shifts raise questions about whether the Buckeyes can maintain their championship form.

Will Ohio State Struggle in 2025?

Despite the strong hires, the reality is that Ohio State’s title defense in 2025 is anything but guaranteed. The Buckeyes are dealing with significant losses, both in coaching and on the roster. Some experts believe Ohio State could face a situation similar to Michigan’s 2024 decline after their national championship win in 2023​

Following Michigan’s title, the Wolverines lost numerous key players, including quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, and several defensive standouts. Their head coach, Jim Harbaugh, also departed for the NFL, leaving the program in transition. As a result, Michigan struggled to replicate its previous success​

Ohio State now faces a similar challenge. Several of the team’s top players are headed to the NFL, and the roster is undergoing significant turnover. Without the same core that carried them to a championship, the Buckeyes may have difficulty maintaining their dominance.

The Pressure on Ryan Day

For Ryan Day, 2025 represents a make-or-break season. After losing three straight to Michigan from 2021 to 2023, he was under immense pressure before securing last season’s national title. Now, he must prove that Ohio State’s success wasn’t just a one-year peak.

While Patricia brings NFL experience, his tenure as Detroit Lions head coach was underwhelming, and his ability to transition back to the college game is uncertain. Likewise, Hartline is regarded as one of the nation’s best recruiters, but how he performs as the full-time offensive coordinator remains to be seen​

Final Verdict: A Tough Road Ahead

While Ohio State has the talent and coaching staff to remain a top-tier program, their title defense is far from guaranteed. The loss of key players, the coaching staff overhaul, and the pressure on new hires create an uncertain picture heading into 2025.

If Ryan Day can successfully integrate his new coaches and develop the next generation of Buckeye stars, Ohio State could once again be a title contender. However, if the transition proves too difficult, the Buckeyes may face a season of struggles, much like Michigan did after their championship year.