Eric Boggs
Carlos Locklyn, Ohio State’s running backs coach, remains entangled in a legal dispute with his former employer, the University of Oregon, over a $400,000 contractual buyout clause. Lane County Circuit Court Judge Michelle Bassi has denied Locklyn’s motion to partially dismiss the civil suit filed by Oregon, clearing the way for the case to proceed to trial. As reported by The Oregonian’s James Crepea, the court notified attorneys for both sides this week that the case is ready to be assigned a trial date. This ruling keeps the legal conflict alive just as Locklyn enters a crucial second season in Columbus on Ryan Day’s staff.
The dispute stems from Locklyn’s decision to leave the Ducks in April 2024 to join the Buckeyes. In an effort to settle his contractual obligation, Locklyn sent a $200,000 personal check to Oregon. However, the university returned the payment, insisting the full $400,000 was due according to the terms of his buyout clause. Oregon is now seeking the full amount along with 9% interest, a demand that has sparked an ongoing legal battle over the language and enforceability of the original contract.
Locklyn’s attorney, John Berg, submitted an amended response to the university’s lawsuit, continuing to challenge Oregon’s interpretation of the contract and asserting that it is “inaccurate, invalid, and unenforceable.” Locklyn is not only fighting to dismiss the lawsuit with prejudice but is also requesting that Oregon be required to cover his legal fees. Despite the looming legal cloud, Locklyn has stayed focused on his duties in Columbus, where he has made a strong impression on the recruiting trail and in player development.
From an Ohio State perspective, the ongoing dispute is a non-issue as long as Locklyn continues to contribute to the Buckeyes’ success on and off the field. He has quickly become a valued part of Ryan Day’s staff and a key recruiter for the program. While Oregon has managed to carry on without him, Ohio State fans have every reason to feel confident in what Locklyn brings to the table. Legal battles may follow coaches between jobs, but in Columbus, the focus remains firmly on the pursuit of Big Ten and national championships—and Locklyn figures to play a significant role in that chase moving forward.
