The Ohio State football team is trying to juggle a few things at once. Not only are they preparing for the College Football Playoff, but they are replacing some members of their coaching staff, as well. The biggest hole on the staff they have to replace is the offensive coordinator spot.
Brian Hartline will become the head coach at USF once the Buckeyes are finished playing. He has been trying to pull some double-duty. He should be better at calling plays in the first round of the CFP now that the Buckeyes have three weeks before their first game, though.
Ryan Day has to figure out who can come in and replace him. Not only was he the offensive coordinator, but he was still the wide receivers coach, as well. Day has now interviewed someone to take one or possibly both of those roles over.
Ohio State football team interviews Cortez Hankton for job on staff
According to Matt Moscana of ESPN Baton Rouge, the Ohio State Buckeyes have interviewed LSU receivers coach Cortez Hankton for a position on staff. Hankton was given a co-OC title in 2024, as well. With Lane Kiffin taking the job at LSU, Hankton has now been replaced.
It's unclear what position Hantkon was interviewed for. It seems unlikely that he would have been interviewed for the offensive coordinator position. He likely was interviewed for the wide receivers position, but there is no confirmation about that at this time.
The Buckeyes are losing not only their OC but the best recruiter on staff, with Hartline heading to USF. Day needs to make sure that he nails this hire. Some fans want Day to bring Chip Kelly back, but it seems unlikely that will happen at this point. Kelly has interviewed elsewhere, though.
Day will focus more on the hiring process once their run is over in the CFP. His main focus is winning back-to-back national championships.