**Ohio State Football’s 2025 Staff Is Complete. Here’s Who’s Working with Ryan Day**
As we look forward to the 2025 season, Ohio State football fans can breathe a sigh of relief: head coach Ryan Day has officially completed his staff for the upcoming year. The anticipation surrounding the Ohio State Buckeyes’ coaching staff for 2025 has been palpable, especially after the challenges the team faced during the previous seasons. With an eye on a national championship, Day has pulled together a squad of talented coaches from various corners of the football world, each with a unique skill set and history that promises to elevate the team to new heights.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the composition of Ryan Day’s staff, analyze each position coach’s role and their impact on the program, and break down how this revamped coaching staff fits into Day’s broader vision for Ohio State football.
—
**A Changing of the Guard: Ohio State’s Coaching Evolution**
The 2025 season marks a crucial point in the evolution of Ryan Day’s tenure at Ohio State. Since taking over as head coach in 2019, Day has established himself as one of the brightest minds in college football. His offense has been explosive, and he’s brought the Buckeyes to the brink of national championships, but it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.
Ohio State has had its ups and downs, most notably losing in big games. After a strong start in 2019, the Buckeyes were denied a national title in 2020, and subsequent seasons have seen the team falter in the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals and fall short in key rivalry matchups, notably against Michigan. As Day approaches 2025, the pressure to deliver Ohio State’s first national title since 2014 is greater than ever.
To ensure that the team reaches the next level, Day has made some critical moves in assembling a well-rounded, experienced coaching staff. There’s a clear focus on bolstering areas that have been identified as weaknesses and bringing in fresh perspectives to complement Day’s established offensive brilliance. A blend of veteran coaches, up-and-coming stars, and a few surprises should help Ohio State regain its place as one of the most dominant forces in college football.
—
### **Offensive Staff: Crafting a Dynamic, High-Powered Offense**
At the heart of any successful Ohio State team has been its offensive prowess. The Buckeyes have consistently ranked among the top teams in terms of total offense, scoring, and individual player performance. Under Ryan Day, Ohio State’s offensive scheme has been dynamic, pass-heavy, and designed to exploit defenses in creative ways.
#### **Quarterbacks Coach: Corey Dennis**
A familiar name to Ohio State fans, Corey Dennis returns for his sixth year as the quarterbacks coach. Dennis, who has been with Day since the start of his tenure, played a pivotal role in the development of quarterbacks like Justin Fields, C.J. Stroud, and now Kyle McCord. Dennis has earned praise for his ability to develop young quarterbacks into potential Heisman candidates and NFL prospects.
As Ohio State enters 2025, Dennis faces the challenge of working with a new generation of quarterbacks. McCord is expected to be the starter, but Dennis will also have to prepare talented backups for any eventuality. Dennis is tasked with ensuring that McCord, as well as any younger quarterbacks, master Day’s intricate offense and maintain the high level of play that the program demands.
#### **Wide Receivers Coach: Brian Hartline**
Brian Hartline is one of the most well-respected names in college football coaching. As Ohio State’s wide receivers coach, Hartline has transformed the Buckeyes’ wide receiving corps into one of the best in the country. With a background as a former NFL wide receiver, Hartline brings a unique perspective to his coaching, teaching his players the finer details of route running, separation, and hands.
Under Hartline’s guidance, Ohio State has produced an incredible pipeline of wide receivers, including Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, all of whom are on their way to successful careers in the NFL. Hartline’s ability to recruit top-tier talent and develop them into immediate contributors will be critical in 2025. Ohio State has a new crop of talented wide receivers that Hartline will work to integrate into Day’s offense and make an impact right away.
#### **Running Backs Coach: Tony Alford**
Tony Alford, a veteran of college football coaching, has been with Ohio State since 2015 and has overseen one of the most successful running back units in the country. Alford’s ability to develop NFL-level talent is unparalleled—he has coached running backs like Ezekiel Elliott, J.K. Dobbins, and TreVeyon Henderson, each of whom has enjoyed success at the next level.
Alford’s task for 2025 will be to keep Ohio State’s running back corps at the highest level. With Henderson potentially entering the NFL draft, Alford will need to mentor his younger backs and continue the tradition of excellence at this position. The Buckeyes’ offense thrives on balance, and Alford’s unit is expected to carry much of the weight in the running game.
#### **Offensive Line Coach: Justin Frye**
The offensive line has always been one of Ohio State’s strengths, and in 2025, Justin Frye will continue his role as the offensive line coach. Frye, who joined the staff in 2022, has made his mark by turning Ohio State’s offensive line into one of the most feared units in college football. His work with previous offensive lines has resulted in tremendous success in both the running and passing game.
Frye will be tasked with developing a group that can protect the quarterback and open up running lanes for the backs. With new talent coming into the fold, Frye’s coaching will be crucial in maintaining Ohio State’s offensive balance and ensuring that the line plays with both power and agility.
—
### **Defensive Staff: Strengthening the Defense for Championship-Level Play**
While Ohio State has long been known for its offensive explosiveness, the 2025 season will also see a renewed emphasis on the defense. For the Buckeyes to return to national title contention, their defense must become a more consistent and dominant force. Ryan Day’s staff for 2025 features several key defensive hires that should help shore up the team’s defensive line, linebackers, and secondary.
#### **Defensive Coordinator: Jim Knowles**
Jim Knowles, who was hired as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator in 2022, enters his third year in the role with high expectations. Known for his aggressive, blitz-heavy style of defense, Knowles has been tasked with bringing Ohio State’s defense back to the level of dominance that fans expect from the Buckeyes.
Knowles has made strides in the development of the defensive unit, but the 2025 season represents a critical opportunity for him to turn Ohio State’s defense into one of the nation’s best. The focus will be on building depth, improving the pass rush, and ensuring the defensive backs play with discipline.
#### **Defensive Line Coach: Larry Johnson**
One of the most respected coaches in college football, Larry Johnson has been with Ohio State since 2014. Johnson has a long track record of producing NFL-caliber defensive linemen, and his ability to develop both edge rushers and interior defenders has helped maintain Ohio State’s defensive strength.
In 2025, Johnson will continue his work with the defensive line, focusing on developing young stars and ensuring that Ohio State has a relentless pass rush. With the Buckeyes’ defense often built around its defensive front, Johnson’s coaching will be critical in creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks and stopping the run.
#### **Linebackers Coach: Al Washington**
Al Washington enters his second season as Ohio State’s linebackers coach. Washington brings energy and passion to the team and has helped to develop linebackers who can both play in coverage and stop the run. With a young but talented linebacker group, Washington will work to ensure that his players are prepared for the challenges of competing in the Big Ten and on the national stage.
Linebackers like Steele Chambers and Cody Simon are expected to be key figures in 2025, and Washington’s expertise will be crucial in making sure they’re prepared to face the best offenses in the country.
#### **Defensive Backs Coach: Tim Walton**
Tim Walton enters his third season as Ohio State’s defensive backs coach. Walton, who has a deep background in both college and professional football, is tasked with molding the Buckeyes’ secondary into one of the best in the nation. Ohio State’s secondary will play a key role in defending against elite quarterbacks, and Walton’s work will be pivotal in ensuring that his players are fundamentally sound in coverage and physical in run support.
With a talented crop of defensive backs coming into the program, Walton’s development of the secondary will be vital to Ohio State’s chances of success in 2025.
—
**Special Teams: A Strong Foundation**
While often overlooked, special teams are a critical component of any championship-caliber team. The 2025 Ohio State staff continues to place emphasis on special teams play, ensuring that the Buckeyes can capitalize on every opportunity.
#### **Special Teams Coordinator: Parker Fleming**
Parker Fleming, who has been with the team since 2018, continues his role as Ohio State’s special teams coordinator. Fleming has developed a special teams unit that excels in both the kicking game and the return game. In 2025, Fleming will focus on consistency in the field goal unit, as well as ensuring that the return teams create explosive plays.
—
**Conclusion: A Unified Vision for Ohio State Football’s Future**
Ryan Day’s 2025 coaching staff is a reflection of his vision for the future of Ohio State football. With a mix of seasoned coaches and fresh faces, Day has assembled a team capable of competing at the highest level. Whether it’s the explosive offense led by Corey Dennis and Brian Hartline, or the aggressive defense orchestrated by Jim Knowles, Ohio State has the pieces in place to challenge for a national title.
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, Ohio State football is poised to once again be a force in college football, and this coaching staff will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s future. With strong leadership, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, Ohio State is ready to make a run at the championship—and this coaching staff will be at the forefront of that pursuit.
