A few days after Ohio State celebrated its triumph in the College Football Playoff National Championship, the program faced a significant setback. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles has departed for Penn State, where he has been hired for the same position. This unexpected move has left a crucial vacancy in Ryan Day’s championship-winning coaching staff.
The Nittany Lions made a bold move by offering Knowles one of the highest salaries for a defensive coordinator, making it difficult for Ohio State to retain him. Now, as the Buckeyes search for a suitable replacement, let’s explore five candidates who could step into this pivotal role in Columbus.
Five best candidates to replace Jim Knowles as Ohio State’s DC
#1 Tim Walton, Ohio State secondary coach
Tim Walton is a strong internal candidate for the defensive coordinator position. Currently serving as the associate coach and secondary/cornerbacks coach, Walton has nearly three decades of experience coaching at both the collegiate and NFL levels. His impressive resume includes coaching defensive backs at elite programs such as LSU, Miami, and Ohio State, as well as stints with NFL teams like the Detroit Lions and New York Giants.
At Ohio State, Walton has played a vital role in strengthening one of the nation’s top defensive units, helping to limit explosive plays and create game-changing turnovers. His familiarity with the program and proven track record make him a compelling choice to take over as defensive coordinator.
#2 Matt Guerrieri, Ohio State safeties coach
Another internal option is Matt Guerrieri, who currently serves as the safeties coach for the Buckeyes. Ryan Day has praised Guerrieri as “one of the brightest minds in college football,” highlighting his potential for a promotion to a defensive role. Guerrieri has a diverse coaching background, having previously worked as co-defensive coordinator at Indiana in 2023 and at Duke from 2018 to 2021.
His close relationship with Jim Knowles during the 2024 season positions him well for a seamless transition into the defensive coordinator role. If Ohio State opts to look within, Guerrieri’s familiarity with the team and its strategies could prove invaluable.
#3 Jerod Mayo, former New England Patriots coach
Ryan Day has shown a willingness to recruit talent from the NFL, as evidenced by his hiring of Chip Kelly for the offensive coordinator position last season. This trend could continue with the potential hiring of Jerod Mayo, who was recently let go by the New England Patriots after the 2024 season. Mayo served as the inside linebackers coach for the Patriots from 2019 to 2023 and has experience overseeing defensive strategies.
While his time in the NFL may not directly translate to college football, Mayo’s extensive experience could bring a fresh perspective to Ohio State’s defense. His ability to adapt and innovate could be exactly what the Buckeyes need to maintain their competitive edge.
#4 Randy Bates, Pittsburgh Panthers defensive coordinator
Randy Bates, currently the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Panthers, is another candidate worth considering. As an alumnus of Ohio State University, a return to Columbus could be enticing for Bates. He has been with the Panthers since 2018, but his defense faced challenges in 2024, ranking 81st in the FBS with 378.2 yards allowed per game.
Despite the struggles, Bates previously led his defense to a top-10 ranking in college football just two seasons ago. With a disappointing season behind him, joining a championship-caliber team like Ohio State could provide a fresh start and an opportunity to showcase his coaching abilities.
#5 Glenn Schumann, Georgia Bulldogs defensive coordinator
Glenn Schumann might be the most ambitious choice on this list, as it would involve poaching from Kirby Smart’s successful coaching staff at Georgia. Schumann has been with the Bulldogs since 2019 and has contributed to their two national championship victories. His experience in high-stakes college football could be a significant asset for Ohio State.
While it may be challenging to lure Schumann away from Georgia, his proven track record and success in developing elite defenses make him a candidate worth pursuing. If Ohio State is serious about maintaining its status as a powerhouse, targeting top-tier talent like Schumann could be a strategic move.
As Ohio State navigates this transition, the search for a new defensive coordinator will be critical to the team’s continued success. Each of these candidates brings unique strengths and experiences that could help shape the Buckeyes’ defensive strategy moving forward.
Who do you think should take the helm as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator in 2025? The decision will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the program’s future, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the announcement.
