Ohio State Promotes Tim Walton and Matt Guerrieri in Key Defensive Staff Reshuffle
In a significant move that underscores the importance of defense in the Ohio State football program, the university has officially promoted Tim Walton and Matt Guerrieri to key roles within the coaching staff. These changes come at a time when the team is looking to refine its defensive strategies and maintain its competitive edge in the ever-demanding world of college football.
This reshuffle is part of a broader commitment by Ohio State to improve its defensive performance in preparation for the upcoming seasons. Walton and Guerrieri have both demonstrated exceptional coaching prowess, and these promotions indicate that head coach Ryan Day is confident in their ability to further elevate the Buckeyes’ defense to elite status.
Tim Walton’s Promotion: From Cornerbacks Coach to Co-Defensive Coordinator
Tim Walton, who has been a staple of Ohio State’s defensive coaching staff since 2022, was promoted to Co-Defensive Coordinator. The promotion comes on the heels of a highly successful tenure as the Buckeyes’ cornerbacks coach, a position he held for two seasons. Walton’s impact was immediate and noticeable. Under his guidance, Ohio State’s secondary improved significantly, and several players, including Denzel Burke, Jermaine Mathews Jr., and Jordan Hancock, flourished, earning praise for their coverage skills and development.
Walton’s promotion was not just a reflection of his work with individual players, but also his ability to recruit top-tier talent to Ohio State. Over the past two recruiting cycles, Walton has been instrumental in securing some of the nation’s most highly rated cornerbacks. He helped land prospects like Devin Sanchez, the No. 1 cornerback in the 2025 recruiting class, along with in-state cornerbacks Bryce West and Aaron Scott Jr. These recruits are expected to be cornerstones of Ohio State’s defense for years to come.
Before arriving at Ohio State, Walton’s coaching career spanned over two decades, with stops at major college football programs and in the NFL. He began his career as a defensive backs coach at LSU in 2003, before moving to Miami, where he also coached defensive backs. In 2007, Walton made the leap to NFL coaching, serving as the defensive backs coach for the St. Louis Rams. He later worked with the New York Giants and the Jacksonville Jaguars, ultimately becoming the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator in 2013.
His NFL experience has brought a unique perspective to Ohio State’s coaching staff, blending traditional college football defensive philosophies with professional-level insights. His deep understanding of defensive schemes has contributed to the development of Ohio State’s aggressive and fast-paced defensive style.
As Co-Defensive Coordinator, Walton will continue to work closely with the defensive line, linebackers, and safeties, providing the Buckeyes with a well-rounded and unified defensive strategy. His leadership is expected to play a key role in refining Ohio State’s pass defense and improving its ability to stop high-powered offenses in the Big Ten.
Matt Guerrieri’s Promotion to Passing Game Coordinator
Another significant change in Ohio State’s defensive staff came with the elevation of Matt Guerrieri to the role of Passing Game Coordinator. Guerrieri, who has been a part of the Ohio State staff since 2024, had previously served as the safeties coach and co-defensive coordinator. His new role reflects his growing influence within the program and his ability to work seamlessly within the overall defensive scheme.
Guerrieri’s coaching background spans several notable programs, beginning with his tenure at Duke University, where he started as a graduate assistant before being promoted to safeties coach. He spent time as Duke’s co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach, where his impact on the team’s defensive backfield was immediately apparent. Guerrieri’s ability to develop players in the secondary was a significant factor in his promotion to Ohio State.
In his first season with the Buckeyes, Guerrieri’s efforts were instrumental in the development of Ohio State’s safeties. Under his guidance, players like Lathan Ransom and Caleb Downs earned first-team All-Big Ten honors, with Downs also being named a unanimous All-American. His ability to coach up talent at a high level is evident in the development of these players, who have become some of the top defensive backs in the conference.
Guerrieri’s ability to work with Ohio State’s pass defense will be critical in the coming seasons. The Big Ten is home to several high-octane offenses, and the Buckeyes will need to ensure that their secondary is well-prepared to face some of the nation’s most dangerous passing attacks. Guerrieri’s promotion to Passing Game Coordinator will help Ohio State refine its coverage schemes, allowing the Buckeyes to better compete against elite passing offenses.
Defensive Staff Changes and Their Impact on Ohio State Football
The promotions of Walton and Guerrieri are part of a larger series of changes within Ohio State’s defensive staff. Head coach Ryan Day is making a deliberate effort to ensure that the Buckeyes’ defense is as strong as their offense, aiming for a balanced, top-to-bottom improvement across all aspects of the team.
In addition to Walton and Guerrieri’s promotions, Ohio State also hired Matt Patricia as its new defensive coordinator. Patricia brings an extensive resume to the program, having spent several years coaching in the NFL, including a long tenure with the New England Patriots, where he won three Super Bowls. Patricia also served as the head coach of the Detroit Lions for several seasons. His wealth of experience at the professional level is expected to bring a fresh, strategic approach to Ohio State’s defense, particularly in terms of schematic flexibility and preparation against high-level competition.
Patricia’s influence will likely be felt immediately, as he works with Walton and Guerrieri to develop a more dynamic and adaptable defensive system. His experience in the NFL will be invaluable, as he has coached against some of the most talented quarterbacks and offenses in the world. His expertise will be critical as Ohio State prepares for its annual battles with powerhouse teams such as Michigan, Penn State, and Wisconsin, who all bring potent offensive schemes to the table.
The Buckeyes’ defensive improvements have been evident in recent seasons, but these coaching changes represent a clear desire to take the program to the next level. The Big Ten conference continues to grow more competitive, with teams across the league improving their talent and schemes. Ohio State’s defense will need to be at its best to maintain its dominance, and these promotions and hires are a clear indication that the Buckeyes are committed to staying ahead of the curve.
A New Defensive Identity for Ohio State
With the promotions of Walton and Guerrieri, Ohio State is signaling a shift towards a more cohesive, interconnected defensive system. Gone are the days of relying solely on individual talent; now, the focus is on developing a complete defensive unit that works in unison. Walton and Guerrieri’s ability to work together in their new roles will ensure that Ohio State’s defense remains formidable against a variety of offensive threats.
One of the key themes of these changes is the emphasis on pass defense. The passing game has become a dominant force in college football, and teams like Ohio State must be able to adjust their defensive strategies accordingly. The Big Ten has seen a rise in high-powered quarterbacks and explosive passing offenses, and the Buckeyes must ensure that their secondary is ready to compete at the highest level.
The addition of Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator further strengthens Ohio State’s commitment to improving its defensive line and overall front seven. Patricia’s expertise in coaching defensive fronts will help Ohio State better combat the physical running games that many Big Ten teams rely on. His experience in NFL-style pass rush schemes will be invaluable in preparing Ohio State’s defensive line to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
The Road Ahead for Ohio State’s Defense
Looking ahead, Ohio State’s defense is poised for a bright future under the leadership of Walton, Guerrieri, and Patricia. With a stronger, more cohesive coaching staff, the Buckeyes will have the tools they need to compete with the best of the best in college football. As the program continues to recruit top-tier defensive talent, Walton and Guerrieri’s ability to develop that talent will be critical to Ohio State’s long-term success.
The 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for Ohio State fans, as the team embarks on a new chapter with these coaching changes. With a revamped defense, the Buckeyes are ready to prove that they are more than just an offensive juggernaut—they are a complete team capable of dominating all phases of the game.