As the Ohio State football program continues to build on its legacy of success, one key element that has always been integral to the program’s sustained excellence is the culture of coaching. The ability to attract top-tier talent, develop players, and execute effective game strategies all stem from the guidance and expertise provided by the coaching staff. In 2025, Ohio State will continue to nurture and expand its football culture by hosting the “Buckeye Breakfast,” an important event in the form of a coaches clinic roundtable.
The Buckeye Breakfast 2025 Coaches Clinic Roundtable, announced by Ohio State University, is an exciting opportunity for coaches at all levels to engage with the Buckeyes’ elite coaching staff and gain insight into the methods that have made Ohio State one of the premier programs in college football. The event is designed to facilitate knowledge sharing, foster professional development, and strengthen the broader football community. The importance of this event goes beyond just Ohio State football—it serves as a platform for coaches from various backgrounds to learn, collaborate, and grow in their craft.
In this essay, we will take an in-depth look at what the Buckeye Breakfast is, how it ties into Ohio State’s commitment to excellence, and why it has become such a valuable and anticipated event for the coaching community. We will also explore the specifics of the 2025 roundtable, including the participating coaches, topics for discussion, and the overall significance of this gathering for Ohio State and the wider football world. Additionally, we will analyze how the clinic continues Ohio State’s tradition of shaping and influencing the next generation of coaches and leaders in the sport.
Ohio State’s Commitment to Coaching Excellence
Ohio State football is a program that has long prided itself on its commitment to excellence—not only in recruiting top-tier players but also in assembling a coaching staff that is as talented and innovative as the players themselves. From head coach Ryan Day to the various position coaches and analysts, Ohio State has continually brought in some of the best minds in the sport to help elevate the program.
What sets Ohio State apart from many programs is its recognition that coaching is just as critical as playing talent. Having great players on the field is essential, but it is the coaches who shape and hone their skills, build the necessary mental toughness, and put them in a position to succeed. A strong, well-trained coaching staff is a cornerstone of any successful program, and Ohio State’s commitment to consistently improving its coaching techniques and philosophies is a major reason for the Buckeyes’ continued dominance.
Ohio State’s investment in coaching excellence extends beyond their own program and into the larger football community. Hosting the Buckeye Breakfast is part of the program’s broader mission to elevate the standard of coaching across the sport. By providing a platform for coaches at all levels to interact with Ohio State’s coaches and learn from their experiences, the Buckeyes are fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and mentorship.
The Buckeye Breakfast Coaches Clinic: An Overview
The Buckeye Breakfast is a significant event on Ohio State’s calendar, not just for its football program but also for the broader football community. The 2025 edition, which features the coaches clinic roundtable, will bring together a diverse range of football professionals—from high school and college coaches to analysts, former players, and aspiring coaches. The event will provide participants with an exclusive opportunity to interact with Ohio State’s coaching staff, gain invaluable insights into the team’s culture and approach, and engage in thought-provoking discussions about the future of the game.
At the heart of the Buckeye Breakfast is the coaches clinic roundtable, a collaborative, discussion-based event where Ohio State’s coaching staff will share their knowledge, experiences, and strategies with attendees. This roundtable format is designed to facilitate open conversation and provide an intimate, informative setting for coaches to exchange ideas and ask questions. With Ohio State’s staff being one of the most experienced and accomplished in the country, the roundtable discussions will provide unparalleled learning opportunities for all involved.
While Ohio State’s head coach Ryan Day is sure to play a central role in the event, many of the team’s assistant coaches and position coaches will also have the chance to share their expertise. The roundtable will cover a range of topics—everything from offensive and defensive schemes, player development, recruiting strategies, and coaching philosophy, to the intricacies of running a successful football program at the highest level. The diversity of topics will appeal to coaches from a variety of backgrounds, and the discussions will allow attendees to gain insights into how Ohio State has built and maintained one of the most successful football programs in the country.
The 2025 Roundtable: A Look at the Key Participants
The 2025 Buckeye Breakfast Coaches Clinic Roundtable promises to feature an impressive roster of Ohio State coaches who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Here are some of the key coaches who are expected to participate and share their insights:
- Ryan Day (Head Coach): As the head coach of the Ohio State Buckeyes, Ryan Day has quickly become one of the most respected and innovative minds in college football. Since taking over as head coach in 2019, Day has led Ohio State to numerous Big Ten championships and College Football Playoff appearances. His offensive philosophy, which emphasizes a fast-paced, high-scoring attack, has made the Buckeyes one of the most potent offenses in the nation.
During the roundtable, Day will share his approach to coaching, his offensive system, and the philosophy that has made Ohio State a perennial powerhouse. Coaches attending the event will gain a unique opportunity to learn from a coach who has achieved sustained success at one of the most high-pressure jobs in college football.
- Jim Knowles (Defensive Coordinator): Jim Knowles is known for his innovative defensive strategies and aggressive approach to defensive play calling. Since joining Ohio State in 2022, Knowles has revamped the Buckeyes’ defense, focusing on creating turnovers, generating pressure, and adapting to the evolving nature of modern offenses. His defensive system, which relies on multiple fronts and complex coverage schemes, has made Ohio State’s defense one of the most formidable units in the country.
At the clinic, Knowles will lead discussions on defensive strategies, covering everything from the fundamentals of defensive line play to more advanced concepts like blitz schemes and coverage variations. Coaches will leave with a deeper understanding of how to structure and implement a dynamic defense that can keep up with today’s high-powered offenses.
- Kevin Wilson (Offensive Coordinator): Kevin Wilson is another highly respected figure in college football, known for his expertise in offensive line play and developing high-efficiency offenses. As the offensive coordinator at Ohio State, Wilson works closely with Ryan Day to shape the Buckeyes’ offensive identity, emphasizing balance, explosive plays, and a high-tempo attack.
Coaches attending the clinic can expect to hear Wilson discuss his offensive philosophy and how he develops both the line and skill positions to execute a successful offense. His experience in both college and the NFL makes him a key asset to Ohio State’s coaching staff and an invaluable resource for coaches looking to improve their offensive schemes.
- Larry Johnson (Defensive Line Coach): Larry Johnson is widely regarded as one of the best defensive line coaches in college football. Under his leadership, Ohio State has produced numerous elite defensive linemen who have gone on to successful careers in the NFL. Johnson’s emphasis on technique, motor, and relentless effort has made Ohio State’s defensive line one of the most feared in the country.
At the clinic, Johnson will provide insights into developing defensive linemen and creating a dominant pass rush. His sessions will focus on the fundamentals of defensive line play, including hand placement, leverage, and gap control. Coaches of all levels will benefit from his wealth of knowledge and experience.
- Other Key Position Coaches: In addition to the aforementioned coaches, other members of Ohio State’s staff, including position coaches and coordinators, will be part of the roundtable. These coaches, each experts in their respective fields, will provide a comprehensive look at the various aspects of building and maintaining a top-tier football program. Topics will include recruiting, team culture, player development, and leadership.
Key Topics of Discussion at the Roundtable
The Buckeye Breakfast Coaches Clinic Roundtable will cover a broad range of topics that are critical to coaching success at all levels. While some topics may focus on specific areas of the game, others will be more philosophical, offering valuable insights into leadership and team-building. Below are some of the key topics expected to be discussed:
- Offensive and Defensive Schemes: One of the core aspects of the clinic will focus on the X’s and O’s of football. Coaches will delve into the intricacies of offensive and defensive schemes, exploring what makes Ohio State’s approach to the game so successful. Whether it’s Ryan Day’s up-tempo offensive system or Jim Knowles’ aggressive defense, these discussions will give coaches an inside look at the strategies that power Ohio State’s success.
- Player Development: Building a championship-caliber team isn’t just about drawing up great plays—it’s about developing players. The clinic will feature sessions on how Ohio State’s coaching staff develops players both physically and mentally. This includes everything from strength and conditioning to mental toughness and leadership development.
- Recruiting: Recruiting is at the heart of any successful program, and Ohio State’s ability to recruit elite talent has been a key factor in its continued dominance. Coaches at the clinic will discuss how Ohio State approaches the recruiting process, how they evaluate talent, and how they attract top players to the program.
- Team Culture and Leadership: Ohio State has built a strong team culture that emphasizes accountability, unity, and mental toughness. The clinic will offer insight into how the coaching staff fosters this culture and builds leaders within the program. Discussions will cover how coaches can cultivate an environment where players are motivated to perform at their best and work together toward common goals.