Ohio State Buckeyes Begin Search for New Defensive Coordinator After Jim Knowles’ Departure.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are facing a significant offseason challenge following the departure of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who has accepted the same position with Big Ten rival Penn State. Now, head coach Ryan Day is tasked with finding a replacement to anchor the defense as the Buckeyes look to maintain their championship aspirations.

With the role being one of the most prestigious jobs in college football, there’s no shortage of intriguing candidates. Among the names floated, one stands out: former New England Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo.

Dan Hope of Eleven Warriors recently highlighted Mayo as a potential fit for the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator position.

“Considering Day hired not one but two former NFL head coaches (Bill O’Brien, then Kelly) when filling its offensive coordinator position last offseason, it stands to reason that such experience could be a valued commodity in Day’s defensive coordinator search, too,” Hope wrote.

Mayo’s coaching résumé is compelling. Prior to his brief and tumultuous stint as the Patriots’ head coach, where he went 4-13 before being replaced by former Ohio State standout Mike Vrabel, Mayo was considered one of the NFL’s rising stars. He spent five years as the Patriots’ linebackers coach, often serving as a de facto co-defensive coordinator during that time. His leadership and expertise earned him a strong reputation, even if his head coaching stint didn’t pan out.

The big question, however, is whether Mayo would consider a move to the college ranks. As Hope pointed out, Mayo has only coached in the NFL and may prefer to stay there. Still, Ohio State’s high-profile role and opportunity to rebuild his coaching stock could be appealing.

“Mayo was fired immediately following the Patriots’ final game of the 2024 NFL season. He had a rough go of it as New England’s head coach and could rebuild his name by finding success as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator,” Hope added.

While Mayo is a tantalizing option, Ohio State has no shortage of suitors for the position. Both college and NFL coaches would likely jump at the opportunity to join Day’s staff, given the Buckeyes’ national prominence and track record of developing coaching talent.

The clock is ticking, and Day is expected to act quickly to solidify his staff ahead of the 2025 season. With the Buckeyes’ lofty expectations and defensive performance being a cornerstone of their success, this hire will be critical in determining whether Ohio State can continue to compete at the highest level.

Whether it’s Mayo or another candidate, Buckeye Nation won’t have to wait long to see who will take the reins of the defense in Columbus. Stay tuned for updates as Ohio State zeroes in on its next defensive leader.