BLOCKBUSTER SHAKEUP: Ohio State Football Unleashes 2025 Coaching Overhaul

Ohio State has made a stunning overhaul to its coaching staff for the 2025 season, finalizing a series of high-profile hires and promotions. The Buckeyes have officially named Matt Patricia as their new defensive coordinator, while Brian Hartline has been elevated to offensive coordinator, replacing outgoing coaches Jim Knowles and Chip Kelly, respectively​

Matt Patricia Brings NFL Experience to Ohio State’s Defense

Patricia takes over the defense following Jim Knowles’ departure for Penn State. With a storied career that includes two Super Bowl titles as defensive coordinator with the New England Patriots (2012-2017) and a head coaching stint with the Detroit Lions, Patricia arrives in Columbus after spending 2023 with the Philadelphia Eagles as a senior defensive assistant​

Head coach Ryan Day expressed confidence in Patricia’s ability to integrate into Ohio State’s culture and bring fresh defensive strategies. With his deep NFL background, Patricia is expected to install an aggressive, adaptable defensive system designed to elevate the Buckeyes’ defense to an elite level.

Brian Hartline Gets His Shot as Play Caller

After years of speculation, Brian Hartline has officially been named offensive coordinator, a move that many Buckeyes fans have been eagerly anticipating. A former Ohio State standout and one of the nation’s top recruiters, Hartline has built a reputation as a premier wide receivers coach. His ability to develop elite talent, including multiple first-round NFL Draft picks, made him an obvious choice to take over following Chip Kelly’s departure to the Las Vegas Raiders​

Hartline, entering his ninth year on staff, will continue coaching wide receivers while now taking full control of the offensive play-calling duties. Day emphasized that Hartline’s patience and dedication to the program will pay off, as he believes Hartline has the potential to be one of the best coordinators in the country​

Additional Staff Changes

Beyond the two major coordinator shifts, Ohio State also announced other key coaching moves:

Tyler Bowen joins as run game coordinator and offensive line coach, bringing experience from Virginia Tech and Penn State.

Keenan Bailey has been promoted to co-offensive coordinator, continuing to coach tight ends while taking on expanded responsibilities.

Billy Fessler will serve as the quarterbacks coach, focusing on developing the Buckeyes’ signal-callers separately from the offensive coordinator role​

Tim Walton has been elevated to co-defensive coordinator, working alongside Patricia.

Matt Guerrieri takes on the role of defensive passing game coordinator, solidifying the defensive staff​

What This Means for Ohio State’s Future

With Patricia’s NFL-caliber defensive mind and Hartline’s offensive expertise, Ohio State is making a bold push to reassert itself as a dominant force in college football. The changes signal a strategic shift under Ryan Day, who is aiming for a national championship run after recent playoff disappointments.