Ohio State Buckeyes Defensive Coordinator Search | WHO Should Ryan Day Hire To Replace Jim Knowles?

 

With defensive coordinator Jim Knowles departing from the Buckeyes to join Penn State following the national championship, J.D. PicKell breaks down who could take over as Ohio State’s defensive play caller as they look to defend their national title.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are one of the premier programs in college football, and the stakes are always high when it comes to their coaching staff. The role of defensive coordinator is arguably one of the most pivotal positions in any program, and with Ryan Day’s tenure as head coach now firmly established, the pressure to maintain Ohio State’s elite status remains a constant challenge. Recently, the Buckeyes parted ways with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles after a tenure that, while marked by some successes, didn’t reach the level of expectations many had for a program of Ohio State’s stature.

Now, as Ohio State embarks on the search for a new defensive coordinator, the question on many minds is: who should Ryan Day hire to fill this critical role? The right hire will not only bolster Ohio State’s defense but also ensure that the program remains in the conversation as a national championship contender, especially considering how competitive the Big Ten and the College Football Playoff landscape has become. The challenge is clear: Day needs someone who can make the Buckeyes’ defense elite once again, all while complementing the offensive prowess of the team.

### The Pressure on Ryan Day and Ohio State

Ohio State football has long been a juggernaut in college football, known for its fast-paced offense, star-studded roster, and championship aspirations. Under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have consistently been at the top of the Big Ten, but their defense has often been the Achilles’ heel, especially in big games. Whether it was the 2021 loss to Michigan or the high-scoring shootouts in the College Football Playoff, Ohio State’s defense has failed to match the intensity and execution of its offense.

In 2022, Ryan Day hired Jim Knowles, who came to Ohio State with a strong reputation for turning around defenses. Knowles had been the architect behind one of the nation’s top defenses at Oklahoma State and was expected to bring a fresh, aggressive style of play to Columbus. However, while there were flashes of improvement, particularly in stopping the run and creating turnovers, Knowles’ defense often looked vulnerable against high-powered offenses, particularly in the secondary.

Now, with Knowles no longer in the picture, Ryan Day has the task of finding a replacement who can execute a defense that can hang with the Big Ten’s best, particularly Michigan, and compete at the highest level in the College Football Playoff. The defensive coordinator must not only be able to coach X’s and O’s but also recruit and build a defense capable of withstanding the toughest tests.

### Traits Ryan Day Should Prioritize in a Defensive Coordinator

Before diving into specific candidates, it’s important to examine the qualities that Ryan Day should prioritize in his search. Ohio State’s defense needs to be aggressive, fast, and adaptable, with a keen ability to stop both the run and the pass. The defensive coordinator must be able to recruit elite talent, especially at the cornerback and linebacker positions, as these areas have been key to Ohio State’s recent struggles in high-stakes games. Additionally, the coordinator should have a solid understanding of the unique demands of the Big Ten, where power football is still a major factor.

With all these factors in mind, Ryan Day should look for a candidate with experience leading defenses in big-time programs, someone who can develop talent while implementing a system that works within Ohio State’s identity. The defensive coordinator must be flexible enough to adjust to different styles of play, especially in the postseason, where opposing teams will come with diverse game plans.

### Candidates to Consider

Several candidates could fit the bill for Ohio State’s defensive coordinator position, each bringing their own strengths and ideas about defensive football. Here are some of the top candidates who could help Ryan Day turn the Buckeyes’ defense into a championship-caliber unit.

#### 1. **Al Washington (Current Ohio State Linebackers Coach)**

Al Washington is already on staff and could be a natural fit for the defensive coordinator position. Washington has extensive coaching experience and a background in defensive line and linebacker play, areas where Ohio State has traditionally excelled. His familiarity with the program, combined with his understanding of Ryan Day’s vision, would allow for a smooth transition and continuity in recruiting and system implementation.

Washington’s experience as a linebackers coach has allowed him to develop close relationships with some of Ohio State’s most talented defensive players, and his knowledge of the defense would make him an easy fit. While he doesn’t have previous experience as a defensive coordinator at a Power Five school, Washington’s understanding of the inner workings of Ohio State’s defense could make him a strong candidate for the role.

#### 2. **Jim Harbaugh’s Defensive Coordinator – Jesse Minter (Michigan)**

While it may seem counterintuitive, hiring from Michigan’s coaching staff could send a strong message to Ohio State’s fanbase. Jesse Minter, currently the defensive coordinator for Michigan, has done an exceptional job at molding the Wolverines into one of the nation’s most ferocious defenses. Under Minter, Michigan has had a noticeable improvement in pass defense, run defense, and overall consistency, leading to back-to-back Big Ten championships and a victory over Ohio State in 2022 and 2023.

Minter’s success against Ryan Day’s offense, especially in key games, would make him an intriguing candidate for Ohio State’s defensive coordinator. He has experience in multiple defensive schemes, is a strong recruiter, and has shown the ability to adapt to different offensive styles. While hiring from Michigan would be a bold move, Minter’s track record could make him a prime candidate for Day to consider.

#### 3. **Matt House (Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Coordinator)**

A more outside-the-box hire could be Matt House, the current defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs. House has a strong background in coaching both college and NFL defenses and has developed a reputation for designing aggressive, pressure-based schemes. He has worked at LSU, where he was known for helping turn around their defense, particularly in 2019 when they had one of the best units in the country.

House’s experience at the NFL level could be an asset for Ohio State, especially given the speed and versatility required in today’s college offenses. The transition from the NFL to college football might present some challenges, but House’s ability to develop talent and execute a scheme could make him an exciting option for Ryan Day to explore.

#### 4. **Tim DeRuyter (Fresno State Defensive Coordinator)**

Tim DeRuyter is another experienced defensive mind who could be a great fit for Ohio State. Currently serving as the defensive coordinator at Fresno State, DeRuyter has built one of the most effective defenses in the Mountain West. He is known for his aggressive, attacking style of defense, often employing multiple fronts and disguising coverages to confuse opposing quarterbacks.

DeRuyter has experience coaching at Power Five programs (including stops at Cal and Texas A&M) and has shown the ability to adapt his defense to different personnel. His versatility and experience with developing defenses against both spread offenses and pro-style attacks could be just what Ohio State needs. While DeRuyter may not have the high-profile name recognition of some of the other candidates, his coaching acumen and ability to develop a defense that can win big games make him an intriguing option for Ryan Day.

#### 5. **Shannon Dawson (Miami)**

Shannon Dawson, the defensive coordinator for Miami, has brought a renewed energy to the Hurricanes’ defense, with an emphasis on discipline, athleticism, and versatility. Dawson’s focus on developing players at the linebacker and defensive back positions has helped Miami become more competitive in the ACC, and his approach to defense could translate well to Ohio State. Like DeRuyter, Dawson is not as well-known as some of the other candidates, but his ability to adapt and create defenses that play well in big games should make him a solid choice for Ryan Day.

### Conclusion

The search for a new defensive coordinator at Ohio State is a critical decision for Ryan Day, as the Buckeyes aim to reclaim their place at the top of the college football world. Whoever Day hires will need to bring a defensive scheme that complements the high-powered offense while also addressing the team’s historical struggles on that side of the ball. Whether it’s promoting from within with Al Washington or making a bold move with an outside hire like Jesse Minter or Matt House, Day’s decision will shape the future of Ohio State football.

Ultimately, Ohio State’s next defensive coordinator must be someone who can bring both technical expertise and leadership to a defense that has the talent to compete with the best in the country. With the right hire, Ohio State’s defense can return to elite status, and the Buckeyes will once again be contenders for national championships.