As of late January 2025, Ohio State’s search for a defensive coordinator has become a hot topic among fans and analysts alike. After the departure of their previous defensive coordinator, the Buckeyes are looking to fill the position with someone who can elevate the defense and keep Ohio State competitive at the highest level. Here’s a breakdown of some key prospects, the coaching search process, and names to watch.
The Ohio State Defensive Coordinator Search: What the Buckeyes Need
Before we dive into the candidates, let’s look at what Ohio State needs in a defensive coordinator:
- Strong Defensive Philosophy: Ohio State has always prided itself on a defense that can stifle both the pass and the run. The new defensive coordinator will need to have a clear vision for the defense, capable of shutting down high-powered offenses, particularly in the Big Ten and during national championship runs.
- Proven Experience: Ohio State is a top-tier program, and they need a coordinator with experience, especially at the Power Five level. Ideally, the new coordinator will bring a mix of innovation and a proven ability to adapt to opposing offenses.
- Recruiting Ability: Ohio State is a recruiting powerhouse, and their defensive coordinator will need to keep up with that. Recruiting elite defensive talent—especially in the defensive backfield and the trenches—will be a key part of the job.
- Ability to Develop Talent: Ohio State has produced numerous NFL-caliber players on defense, and this trend must continue. The new coordinator will need to develop players not only into strong college athletes but also prepare them for the next level.
Names to Watch in the Search
Here are a few names that have been mentioned frequently by Ohio State experts, analysts, and fans as potential candidates to become the Buckeyes’ next defensive coordinator.
1. Jim Knowles (Current Defensive Coordinator, Ohio State)
One of the more interesting questions surrounding the defensive coordinator search is whether Jim Knowles will remain in the position or if the Buckeyes will look for a fresh start. Knowles came to Ohio State from Oklahoma State and brought with him a more aggressive defensive scheme. In his first two seasons, Ohio State’s defense has shown both flashes of brilliance and areas that need improvement.
Knowles has been praised for his ability to adjust in-game, but at times, the defense has been inconsistent. Whether Ohio State decides to retain him or part ways with him will be one of the first decisions the program makes as part of this search.
2. Al Golden (Defensive Coordinator, Cincinnati Bengals)
Al Golden is a name that has popped up for multiple defensive coordinator jobs over the years. He’s currently the defensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, where he has helped orchestrate one of the NFL’s more formidable defenses. Before his time with the Bengals, Golden had a successful tenure as the head coach at the University of Miami.
Golden has extensive experience, both at the NFL and college levels, and is known for his ability to develop both defensive schemes and talent. Given his success in the NFL, he could be a very appealing option for Ohio State if they want someone with a deep understanding of modern defensive football.
3. Jim Leonhard (Former Defensive Coordinator, Wisconsin)
Jim Leonhard is another name to keep an eye on. After serving as Wisconsin’s defensive coordinator for several seasons, he became known for his aggressive and effective defensive strategies. Leonhard has since left Wisconsin and been a hot name on the coaching market.
Leonhard is a former NFL player and a Wisconsin alum who built a strong defensive unit that was consistently one of the best in the Big Ten. His ability to recruit top defensive talent in the Midwest could make him a natural fit at Ohio State.
4. Charlie Strong (Defensive Analyst, Alabama)
Charlie Strong, with a wealth of experience as a defensive coordinator at both the college and NFL levels, is another possible candidate. Strong has had success in coaching defenses at major programs such as Florida and Texas, and he is currently working as a defensive analyst at Alabama.
Strong is known for his ability to mold tough, aggressive defenses and his experience in big games. Given his background, he could be an ideal choice for a program like Ohio State, where the stakes are always high and recruiting is critical.
5. Kerry Coombs (Former Ohio State Defensive Coordinator, Current Secondary Coach)
Kerry Coombs is a familiar name in Ohio State football circles. He served as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator from 2020-2021 and is currently the secondary coach for the Buckeyes. While Coombs’ tenure as defensive coordinator was considered a mixed bag, many Ohio State fans still appreciate his recruiting ability, especially in the secondary.
Coombs is a passionate coach with strong ties to Ohio State’s recruiting network. While his time as defensive coordinator didn’t see the same level of success as some hoped, his familiarity with the program could make him a solid internal candidate to lead the defense once again, especially if the Buckeyes prefer continuity over bringing in someone from the outside.
6. Greg Schiano (Defensive Coordinator, Rutgers)
Greg Schiano, the current head coach at Rutgers and a former defensive coordinator at Ohio State, is another intriguing name. Schiano led Ohio State’s defense from 2016 to 2018, when he helped establish a unit that was known for its strong front seven and solid secondary play. Since returning to Rutgers, Schiano has worked hard to rebuild the Scarlet Knights’ defense and has brought them into a more competitive place in the Big Ten.
Schiano’s ties to Ohio State and experience running elite defenses could make him an attractive option for the Buckeyes if they look for an experienced hand to guide the unit.
7. Marcus Freeman (Head Coach, Notre Dame)
While this might seem like a long shot, Marcus Freeman, the head coach at Notre Dame, was previously Ohio State’s linebacker coach and defensive coordinator. His success at Notre Dame has only increased his stock, but if the Buckeyes were to move on from their current defensive situation, Freeman’s name could be brought up as a possible return candidate. However, this would likely be a more long-term prospect given his current position at Notre Dame.
The Process: How Ohio State Will Conduct the Search
Given the high profile of the job, Ohio State will likely take a methodical approach to its defensive coordinator search. Athletic director Gene Smith and head coach Ryan Day will be working together closely to ensure that the hire aligns with the program’s long-term goals, especially on the recruiting trail and in the development of young defensive players.
Ohio State is known for conducting thorough coaching searches, and with the stature of the program, they will likely prioritize candidates who have experience at the highest levels of college football or in the NFL. The program will also be looking for someone who can help Ohio State close the gap with other top teams in the College Football Playoff era, especially with respect to defensive consistency.