In the wake of Chip Kelly’s departure from Ohio State to join the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders as offensive coordinator, former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy has shared his insights on the Buckeyes’ coaching transitions. McElroy, now a college football analyst, discussed the implications of Kelly’s exit and the promotion of Brian Hartline to offensive coordinator on his podcast, “Always College Football.”
McElroy expressed confidence in Hartline’s readiness for the role, stating, “They lose Chip Kelly but in steps Brian Hartline as the offensive coordinator. He’s been trained for this moment. He’s been prepared for this moment over the course of time.” He emphasized Hartline’s successful track record as the wide receivers coach and his strong recruiting capabilities, suggesting that these experiences have well-equipped him for his new responsibilities.
Addressing concerns about play-calling duties, McElroy noted, “Now it’s just about calling plays on game day. And guess what? He has a great mind to bounce ideas off of. That’s his head coach Ryan Day.” This collaboration between Hartline and Day is anticipated to maintain the offensive prowess that Ohio State has been known for in recent years.
In addition to the offensive changes, Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, has accepted a position with the Penn State Nittany Lions. To fill this critical vacancy, head coach Ryan Day has brought in former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia as the new defensive coordinator. Patricia, who most recently served as a senior defensive assistant for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, brings a wealth of NFL experience to the Buckeyes’ coaching staff.
These coaching changes come on the heels of a successful season for Ohio State, culminating in a national championship victory over Notre Dame. Despite the offseason transitions, the program aims to sustain its momentum. The integration of seasoned professionals like Hartline and Patricia into key coaching positions reflects Ohio State’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of excellence on both sides of the ball.
As the Buckeyes prepare for the upcoming season, the focus will be on how these new coaching dynamics influence team performance. With Ryan Day’s continued leadership and the infusion of fresh perspectives from his revamped staff, Ohio State fans have reason to be optimistic about the future.
