Eric Boggs
Each offseason, the OHIO Podcast takes time to honor the former Buckeyes who have transitioned from the gridiron to the sidelines. This year’s top 10 ranking, a consensus among the podcast’s hosts, recognizes not only coaching excellence but also potential future fits for Ohio State’s head coaching role.
At number ten is Pepe Pearson, a former Buckeyes running back who has carved out a solid coaching path, now serving as assistant coach and running backs coach at Tarleton State. Pearson has consistently made the top 10, highlighting his long-term dedication to coaching at the collegiate level.
Coming in at number nine is Kenny Guyton, affectionately known as “Smooth Jazz” for his calm presence as a backup quarterback from 2009 to 2013. Now coaching quarterbacks at Wisconsin under Luke Fickell, Guyton is a name to watch, with potential ties back to Columbus in the near future.
J.T. Barrett, at number eight, makes his debut on the list. The former record-setting Ohio State quarterback is now the quarterbacks coach for the Chicago Bears. With NFL experience and a coaching lineage in his family, Barrett’s ascent in the coaching ranks is unsurprising and commendable.
Number seven features James Laurinaitis, one of the most decorated linebackers in Ohio State history. Laurinaitis currently coaches linebackers at Ohio State, following a stint at Notre Dame. With strong recruiting ties and a growing reputation, he’s pegged by many as a future defensive coordinator—and possibly more—at his alma mater.
Tim Walton, the seasoned veteran on the list, lands at number six. Walton played defensive back for the Buckeyes in the early ‘90s and now serves as Ohio State’s cornerbacks coach and co-defensive coordinator. With NFL experience and a reputation for developing elite secondary talent, Walton continues to thrive in Columbus.
Cracking the top five is Brian Hartline, the Buckeyes’ current offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach. Renowned as the best recruiter and developer of wide receiver talent in the country, Hartline has remained loyal to Ohio State despite outside interest. His head coaching prospects hinge on his success as OC this season.
At number four is Luke Fickell, a former Buckeye defensive tackle and longtime Ohio State assistant. Now the head coach at Wisconsin, Fickell’s stock has cooled slightly following a rocky start in Madison. Still, his playoff appearance with Cincinnati remains one of the most impressive Group of Five coaching achievements in modern college football.
A surprising but deserving number three is Eddie George. The 1995 Heisman Trophy winner has quickly risen through the coaching ranks, taking his talents from Tennessee State to Bowling Green. If he can elevate the Eagles to MAC title contention, George may soon be in line for a Power Four head coaching position—and, perhaps, future consideration in Columbus.
At number two is Marcus Freeman, current head coach at Notre Dame. While he has drawn mixed opinions for his past comments about Ohio State, there’s no denying Freeman’s rapid rise. With a College Football Playoff appearance under his belt and coaching limitations due to Notre Dame’s academic standards, Freeman’s success is even more remarkable. He remains one of the most intriguing candidates for a future Ohio State head coaching role.
Topping the list at number one is Mike Vrabel, the most successful Buckeye-turned-coach currently in the profession. With a strong NFL resume, including his recent hiring as head coach of the New England Patriots, Vrabel has cemented his status as an elite football mind. Though he has publicly expressed disinterest in college coaching—particularly the recruiting grind—Vrabel’s name still generates significant buzz whenever the Ohio State job becomes a topic of speculation.
As the coaching landscape evolves and former Buckeyes continue making their mark across all levels of football, this annual list serves not only as recognition but also as a scouting report for potential future leaders of the Ohio State program. With new names climbing and old favorites holding strong, Buckeye Nation has plenty of reasons to be proud of its coaching tree.
