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Ohio State football: Three candidates for offensive coordinator if Bill O'Brien leaves

The Ohio State football program may have to find another OC before the one they hired even steps out on the field. If they do, here are three candidates for the position.

By Ryan Stano

Nov 25, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Chip Kelly watches from the
Nov 25, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Chip Kelly watches from the / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day argues with an official
Dec 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day argues with an official / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA

3. Ryan Day/Brian Hartline

Perhaps the most likely scenario would be for the Ohio State football program to run it back with what they've done for the past few seasons. With it being so late in the hiring cycle, the Buckeyes might not be able to find anyone good to take the offensive coordinator position.

I could see Hartline being the sole offensive coordinator and Day calling plays still, even though I think he should let Hartline call them. Day said he was going to allow Hartline to do it last year and still didn't cede the duties, so why would it be any different this year with his back against the wall?

While this is the most likely scenario, I think it's the worst-case scenario. Day needs to open up his time for other coaching duties. He needs to not be so invested in the play-calling as he has in years past. It has made the offense worse. A new voice needs to be fully in charge of the offense.

This is perhaps the biggest reason why I hope O'Brien stays. I was one of those people who was lukewarm on the hire in the first place, but it's better than the alternatives. For all of his faults, O'Brien does have a wealth of experience calling plays. It'd be better if he could stay with the Buckeyes.

dark. Next. Next story. Buckeyes could get another five-star DB

This is just a list of candidates if O'Brien decides to leave the Ohio State football program. As I've said before, nothing is official yet. He's still a Buckeye as of the time of this publication. We'll see what changes later in the week though.

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