Ohio State Football: Replacing Justin Frye – Eight Coaches in the Running
The Ohio State Buckeyes are on the hunt for a new offensive line coach after Justin Frye’s departure to the Arizona Cardinals. With a national championship win still fresh in their minds, the Buckeyes are looking for the perfect candidate to fill Frye’s shoes. Here are eight coaches who could potentially take on the role.
1. *Kevin Wilson*: A familiar face in Columbus, Wilson has maintained close ties to Ohio State through his son Toby, a former walk-on offensive lineman. With his experience as Ohio State’s offensive coordinator from 2017-2022, Wilson would bring a wealth of knowledge to the role.
2. *LeCharles Bentley*: A legendary Buckeye and former All-American center, Bentley is a fan favorite to take on the role. As a renowned developer of offensive linemen, Bentley’s expertise would be a valuable asset to the team.
3. *Tim Drevno*: Already on staff as a quality control coach, Drevno boasts an impressive resume, having coached the offensive lines at UCLA, USC, Michigan, and the San Francisco 49ers. Promoting from within could provide continuity and stability.
4. *Joe Rudolph*: As Notre Dame’s esteemed offensive line coach, Rudolph has consistently produced top-notch units. With his history at Ohio State as a graduate assistant from 2004-06, Rudolph could be an attractive option.
5. *Phil Trautwein*: Penn State’s current offensive line coach, Trautwein has strong connections to Ohio State, having worked alongside Ryan Day at Boston College and played for Urban Meyer at Florida. His experience and recruiting prowess make him a viable candidate.
6. *Glen Elarbee*: Tennessee’s offensive line coach, Elarbee has demonstrated exceptional recruiting skills, landing top talent in the Volunteer State. His ability to attract elite recruits could be a major asset for the Buckeyes.
7. *Mike Sollenne*: A former graduate assistant at Ohio State, Sollenne worked alongside Frye for three seasons. Bringing Sollenne back would be making a bet on a rising star and a popular move among OSU’s returning offensive linemen.
8. *Chip Kelly*: Although a long shot, Kelly’s experience as an offensive coordinator and his previous work with offensive linemen make him a qualified candidate. If Kelly is open to a position change, this could be an intriguing option.
As the Buckeyes navigate the coaching carousel, these eight candidates offer a mix of experience, familiarity, and recruiting acumen. Whoever takes the reins will have big shoes to fill, but with the right hire, Ohio State’s offense can continue to thrive.
