Where does Ohio State go from here? After an early CFP exit and a disappointing end to the 2025 season, the Buckeyes find themselves in uncharted territory. Ryan Day and his team dropped their final two games, and the offseason has already been turbulent with transfers and coaching changes. Brian Hartline is now the head coach at USF, while top wide receiver recruits Mylan Graham and Quincy Porter have entered the transfer portal—just the tip of the iceberg. Ohio State is in limbo with no offensive coordinator in place, and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia posted a cryptic Instagram post that many fans are interpreting as a potential farewell.
Despite the uncertainty, Ohio State is returning a significant portion of its roster, including offensive standouts like Julian Sayin, Jeremiah Smith, and Bo Jackson, as well as key defensive pieces. But structurally, the Buckeyes need improvement. Against Indiana and Miami, the offense often looked predictable and uninspired. Ryan Day cannot remain the primary playcaller next season. Patricia’s Instagram post read, “Grateful. Thankful. All the emotions. Impossible to put into words what this season meant to me. Buckeye Nation, you are beyond compare. On behalf of my entire family, thank you for welcoming us with open arms. You made this season a joy from start to finish.” Ohio State’s defense was the best in the country under Patricia, and losing him would be a devastating blow.
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The bigger question is who runs the offense. When Hartline left for USF, many expected co-offensive coordinator Keenan Bailey to take over playcalling for the Cotton Bowl. Instead, Day stepped in—a move that raised eyebrows. History shows that Ohio State has succeeded by bringing in outside offensive minds. In 2024, Chip Kelly joined as an external hire and helped the Buckeyes win the national title. The same approach could pay dividends in 2026, especially with the talent returning.
Who could Ohio State realistically target at offensive coordinator?
Former NY Giants HC Brian Daboll
New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll during the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Nov. 9, 2025.
Brian Daboll would be a dream scenario. It’s unclear if he would want to return to college coaching, but pairing Daboll with Julian Sayin would be absolute cinema and could elevate Sayin into one of the nation’s top quarterbacks. Not to mention how explosive and unique the Daboll OSU offense could look.
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Former Clemson OC Garrett Riley
Clemson offensive coordinator Garrett Riley enters the field from the locker room before the game with Clemson and Louisiana State University at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Another possibility is former Clemson offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. The younger brother of USC’s Lincoln Riley, he found considerable success as an offensive coordinator at SMU and TCU before facing some challenging years at Clemson. While Ohio State fans might be skeptical of hiring someone recently let go from a struggling program, Riley could be an ideal buy-low candidate with significant upside.
Current Baltimore Ravens OC Todd Monken
Oct 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken on the field before the game against the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
Another intriguing option is Todd Monken. Currently the Ravens’ offensive coordinator, Monken could be available if Baltimore shakes up its coaching staff following John Harbaugh’s departure. He would be an excellent fit for the Buckeyes. Before joining Baltimore, Monken served as Georgia’s offensive coordinator from 2020 to 2023, playing a pivotal role in helping the Bulldogs capture two national championships.
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Former Washington Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury
Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury speaks at a press conference Nov. 13, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
One more target in the mold of Daboll is the recently fired Kliff Kingsbury. Would he be willing to leave the NFL for the unpredictable world of college football? It’s impossible to say, but this could be the opportunity he needs to reinvent himself as a true offensive innovator and work his way back to the head coaching role he once held in the NFL.
Ohio State is at a crossroads. The returning talent gives the Buckeyes a strong foundation, but the next hire at offensive coordinator could define the program’s trajectory for years. The offseason promises to be just as critical as the season itself.
This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State football offensive coordinator search: Updated candidates
