Ohio State’s Ryan Day, makes his clear his stance on assistant coach vacancy…

Ohio State football coach Ryan Day’s recent decision to part ways with special teams coordinator Parker Fleming has opened up a crucial vacancy on his coaching staff, presenting Day with an opportunity to strategically shape the balance of his team. This vacant position, traditionally focused on special teams, is likely to be filled by a defensive coach, a departure from the previous 6-4 split favoring coaches with offensive backgrounds over the last three years.

One potential route for Day is to promote James Laurinaitis to the position of linebacker coach. Laurinaitis, a former Buckeye All-American and NFL linebacker, has been serving as a graduate assistant with the linebacker group since the previous year. While Laurinaitis has made recruiting contributions as a graduate assistant, his promotion to a full-time assistant role would enable him to engage more actively in off-campus recruiting activities, leveraging his on-campus and telephonic connections.

Elevating Laurinaitis would also alleviate some responsibilities from defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, allowing him to concentrate on his role as head coach of the defense. The move would enhance Laurinaitis’s impact on both coaching and recruiting, a dual benefit for the team.

However, an alternative approach could involve setting up a succession plan for the defensive line. Day might opt to hire an assistant defensive line coach, addressing concerns about the potential retirement of the current defensive line coach, Larry Johnson. Despite Day’s reassurances about Johnson’s commitment, speculation about his future has surfaced and affected the decisions of some recruits, such as Amaris Williams.

Introducing an assistant defensive line coach could provide stability and continuity in the recruitment process. It would also allow prospective players to establish relationships with a coach whose age doesn’t trigger retirement concerns. This strategic move could quell uncertainties surrounding Johnson’s future and mitigate any impact on the recruitment of defensive linemen, a critical position for Ohio State.

Furthermore, from a sheer numerical perspective, the defensive line might require additional recruiting support in the current cycle. With several players set to complete their eligibility after the next season, there is a need for reinforcements. The potential departure of key players, coupled with the unpredictability of the transfer portal, could make recruiting challenging. Hiring an assistant defensive line coach could help address these concerns and provide a smooth transition whenever Johnson decides to step down.

In essence, both options present unique advantages. Promoting Laurinaitis offers an immediate boost in coaching and recruiting impact, while hiring an assistant defensive line coach provides a strategic succession plan and support for critical recruitment needs. Barring a surprising decision to hire another full-time special teams coordinator with an offensive background, Day appears to be in a position where either choice could prove beneficial for the Ohio State football program.