An individual with direct knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Thursday night that Ohio State is selecting Bill O’Brien, the former head coach of Penn State and the Houston Texans, to serve as its offensive coordinator.
Although the hire still needed university approval, the person spoke under anonymity, but an announcement may come as soon as Friday.
O’Brien’s hire by Ohio State was first reported by ESPN.
Since Ryan Day, the head coach of the Buckeyes, was elevated from offensive coordinator to head coach in 2019 to succeed Urban Meyer, he has served as Ohio State’s primary playcaller. Day might be able to delegate such duties by bringing in a seasoned playcaller from the NFL or college.
Brian Hartline, who served as the Buckeyes’ offensive coordinator the previous season, will continue to be the wide receivers coach.
In terms of yards per play (6.38), the Buckeyes (11-2) finished 25th in the nation last season—their lowest finish since 2016. After suffering a third-straight loss to Michigan, Ohio State lost its bowl game against Missouri, where backup quarterback Devin Brown was injured and starting quarterback Kyle McCord transferred.
O’Brien, 54, coached the Texans for seven seasons, going 52-48 from 2014 to 20. During that time, he collaborated with quarterback Deshaun Watson.
Prior to that, he was Joe Paterno’s assistant coach at Penn State for two seasons, leading the team to a 15-9 record while facing harsh NCAA sanctions following the Jerry Sandusky scandal.
After being let go by the Texans, O’Brien went back to college and spent two years as Alabama’s offensive coordinator under Nick Saban. In 2021, he coached Bryce Young, the Heisman Trophy winner.
As offensive coordinator for the New England Patriots this season, O’Brien made a comeback to the NFL. From 2007 to 2011, he worked for Patriots coach Bill Belichick for the first time. From 2009 to 2011, he coached Tom Brady’s quarterbacks.
O’Brien should have no trouble getting plenty at Ohio State.
Earlier this month, the Buckeyes added running back Quinshon Judkins of Mississippi and quarterback Will Howard of Kansas State as transfers. They also welcomed back wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and running back TreVeyon Henderson, who both chose to return to school rather than sign with an NFL team.
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