Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles? Gone! Offensive Line Coach Justin Frye? Gone! And now, Offensive Coordinator Chip Kelly? Poof! Is this the price of national championship success for Ryan Day? The very day they hoisted the trophy, fans were already wondering where Knowles had disappeared to, only to discover he’d bolted. Now, just weeks after leading the Buckeyes to a title, Kelly’s off to the NFL, snatching the OC job with the Las Vegas Raiders. The timing couldn’t be worse. It’s not just one coach—it’s a full-blown brain drain. Knowles, the defensive whiz, is now calling the shots at Penn State. With both coordinators out the door, Ohio State is facing a major rebuild, a coaching crisis.

Knowles just hit the jackpot. His new Penn State deal goes over $3 million a year, making him the highest-paid coordinator in CFB. Meanwhile, Chip Kelly is heading to the NFL with two years left on his Buckeye contract. His exit? Comes with a $350,000 buyout—unless AD Ross Bjork lets it slide. So, is CFB all about the money? Hard to say. But one thing’s crystal clear—Ryan Day has no time to waste. With both coordinators gone, he’s on the clock to find their replacements.

But wait a minute, y’all. Be calm. Ohio State has time on its side. The Buckeyes don’t kick off the 2025 season until Aug. 30 against Texas. However, finding the right replacements? That’s no easy task. Losing Kelly’s offensive mind and Knowles’ defensive strategy leaves massive shoes to fill. And all eyes are on who steps in next. But don’t worry—national analyst Josh Pate already has a solution in mind.

Josh Pate just shook up Buckeye Nation. In a recent CBS Sports IG post, he dropped a bombshell on Ohio State’s coaching crisis. And for Ryan Day? It was a brutal reality check. Pate didn’t hold back—“If I were Ryan Day, I’d be calling active head coaches right now, not coordinators.” He even name-dropped guys like James Franklin and Curt Cignetti, suggesting that’s the level of aggressive move Day needs to make, even if those specific names are a LONG shot. Bold, right? But Pate’s reasoning is solid. He revealed, “Some head coaches at the G5 level have privately told me that if the right coordinator position came open, they go take it at the power level. Because they actually view that as a bridge worth crossing.” They see it as a stepping stone to something bigger.

Times have definitely changed. Pate points out, “In classical terms prior you’d view that as a demotion”—going from head coach to coordinator. It used to be that coaches would climb the ladder the traditional way: kill it as Ohio State’s OC, then land a G5 head coaching job. That was the playbook. But not anymore. The game’s different now. Some coaches are just over the instability of G5 life. Too much uncertainty, and too many question marks. So, these days, some would rather jump at a top-tier coordinator gig at a big-name program than risk it all on a shaky head coaching gig.

On paper, it sounds like a solid plan. But will it work for Ryan Day? Now the real question isn’t just finding replacements—it’s finding the right ones. Filling the void left by Knowles and Kelly won’t be easy. They weren’t just coordinators; they were architects of Ohio State’s dominance. Replacing that kind of impact? That’s a whole different challenge.

What’s up next for Ryan Day?

Chip Kelly’s offense was a powerhouse. Ohio State lit up the scoreboard in 2024, ranking 12th in points per game (35.7) and 28th in total yards per game (429.4). That firepower was key to their championship run. On the other side, Jim Knowles built a defensive fortress. The Buckeyes led the nation in yards allowed, scoring defense, and red zone defense. His unit didn’t just dominate—they set the standard. Together, Kelly and Knowles helped Ohio State reach the mountaintop. Now, their departures leave massive shoes to fill.

So what’s next….

To be honest, Brian Hartline is a natural fit. As Ohio State’s OC since 2023 and a WRs coach since 2018, he’s already embedded in the program. Promoting him to full play-calling duties would keep things running smoothly and reward his hard work. Beyond Hartline, there are some seriously interesting names floating around as potential candidates. One that keeps popping up is Jason Candle. The Toledo head coach has a reputation for his offensive genius. A move to a Power Five coordinator job could be the perfect career move for him. Both candidates have the skills—now it’s up to Ryan Day to decide.

But when it comes to defense, Matt Guerrieri is a strong internal candidate. He’s already a senior advisor and analyst at OSU, and his experience as co-DC at Duke makes him a perfect fit. Guerrieri knows the Buckeyes’ system inside and out. On the other hand, Jim Leonhard is a proven defensive mastermind. As Wisconsin’s former DC, he built elite defenses year after year. His experience could elevate Ohio State’s defense to new heights. Two solid choices—Ryan Day has a big decision ahead.

As of now, the spotlight is on Ryan Day. After grabbing a national title, the real challenge begins. Can he solve the coordinator crisis and keep Ohio State rolling? All eyes are on how Day handles this pressure-packed decision.