Will the incoming offensive coordinator for Ohio State be an in-state head coach or someone more akin to Ryan Day from 2017.
Columbus, Ohio – The defensive and special teams coordinators for Ohio State football are expected by Ryan Day to act as the “head coach” of their respective teams.
After first raising the possibility a year ago, it now seems that Day will also supposedly set that bar for his offensive coordinator. More would be involved in hiring a new offensive coordinator than just giving up play calling responsibilities. This individual will also have influence over the composition of the other offensive coaches, following in the footsteps of Day’s partnership with Jim Knowles, who was hired for the first time after the 2021 season.
The veteran Power 5 coordinator Knowles brought head coaching experience to the table, however it was not the main factor in his hiring. He spent six seasons at Cornell University, his alma mater, in that capacity.
In addition, as current offensive coordinator Brian Hartline develops in his role, a fresh recruit with actual managerial experience might serve as a mentor. Following the resignation of Kevin Wilson, a former head coach at Indiana, Hartline was elevated a year ago.
Day’s OC search hasn’t revealed too many details up to this moment. Nonetheless, compared to Knowles two years ago, many of the most frequently mentioned names have stronger direct ties to head coaching.
In Ohio, a few of them are the present holders of the title. If OSU is prepared to let Day spend even more than he did to land Knowles ($1.9 million), this could be where he turns for his next right-hand man.
But there’s a chance that someone more like Day—who joined OSU in 2017 as the quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator—will also be considered.
Candle’s consistent success with the Rockets has led to his name being mentioned in national job postings. In nine seasons, he is 65-35, with 20-8 results in the last two. In the previous three seasons, his offenses have twice been ranked in the top 20 nationally.
Candle’s name has theoretically surfaced in other coaching openings at Syracuse, Indiana, and Michigan State, but he also doesn’t seem to have garnered any traction. He spent his whole coaching career at Toledo and Mount Union, two dominant Division III schools. Shifting from head coaching to a premier coordinator role might enable him finish his ascent to managing a Power 5 program.
