Ohio State Football: Confidence level against Rutgers

Coaching Staff Confidence Level – 8

The Ohio State coaching staff seems to be clicking on all cylinders with this team, especially defensively. There was very little change with the coaching staff after last season, and the continuity this staff has with these players seems to be a big advantage.

Taking a quick look at the longevity of the coaching staff, there is a lot of reason to believe that the familiarity of terminology and consistency of teaching is a benefit to a young athlete who is looking to develop his craft between the hedges. Here is each Ohio State coach and how long they have been with the program taking into account all their positions and promotions:

Beginning with the head coach and offensive coaching staff: Ryan Day – six seasons, Brian Hartline – six seasons, Tony Alford – eight seasons, Justin Frye – two seasons, Keenan Bailey – seven seasons, and Corey Dennis – eight seasons.

Moving onto the defensive coaching staff starting with special teams: Parker Fleming – five seasons, Jim Knowles – two seasons, Larry Johnson – ten seasons, Tim Walton – two seasons, and Perry Eliano – two seasons. Although he isn’t considered a full-time coach who can travel to recruit, James Laurinaitis, who is the linebackers coach, is in his first season.

For the most part, I like this coaching staff and feel that having the same position coaches from one season to the next is a huge benefit for the development of players. My confidence level in this coaching staff when compared to Schiano’s is at an eight.