The Ohio State football program has produced a few head coaches who have been former players. Eddie George is currently leading Bowling Green after winning the Heisman with the Buckeyes in 1995. Brian Hartline recently earned an opportunity with South Florida.
There are plenty of other examples in recent years, too. Playing for the Ohio State Buckeyes gives some guys a deeper understanding of the game than they would if they played elsewhere. As the Buckeyes prepare for the College Football Playoff, another former Buckeye has earned a bigger opportunity.
Mike Jacobs is a former offensive lineman for the Buckeyes, playing from 1997-2001. For the last two seasons, he has been the head coach at Mercer. Now, the Ohio native gets a chance to be an FBS head coach in his home state after two successful seasons there.
Former Ohio State player named head coach at Toledo
Jacobs had earned his first FBS head coaching opportunity, as he has been named as he head coach of the Toledo Rockets. Jacobs was the SoCon Coach of the Year in each of his two seasons at Mercer, so he definitely has the qualifications to take this job.
After Jason Candle left for UConn, the Rockets have decided to bring in Jacobs. In his head coaching career, Jacobs holds a 94-23 record. It's pretty clear that he is ready to make the leap to be a head coach at a higher level, and he felt that this was the right opportunity for him.
This will make him the second former Buckeye to be leading a MAC program, alongside George. Jacobs is hoping he has a better first season than George, as Bowling Green finished just 4-8 and was 11th in the MAC. Jacobs is hoping to use the transfer portal to his advantage.
There's a good chance Jacobs is rooting for the Buckeyes to win the national championship this season, as well.