Buckeyes Hire Penn State-Ex Bill O'Brien as New Offensive Coordinator

The Ohio State Buckeyes will have a new offensive coordinator in 2024 as coach Ryan Day will reportedly hand over play-calling to Bill O'Brien.

The Ohio State Buckeyes offense could look different in 2024.

On Thursday night, the Buckeyes hired former Penn State coach Bill O'Brien as the team's new offensive coordinator. The school officially announced the move on Friday.

O'Brien, 54, joins the Buckeyes after leaving the college ranks last offseason to return to the New England Patriots for his second stint as their play-caller. O'Brien will also be in charge of the quarterback room, with Corey Dennis being moved to an as-of-yet-undetermined role.

Meanwhile, Brian Hartline will serve as the team's co-offensive coordinator and receivers coach.

O'Brien's hiring is just the latest shakeup to the staff, as coach Ryan Day will reportedly hand over play-calling duties. 

Jul 26, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien directs the office on a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium.  / Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

"I am extremely pleased to be able to add Bill O'Brien to our coaching staff," Ohio State coach Ryan Day said. "He brings with him a wealth of knowledge - and a tremendous amount of success - at both the NFL and collegiate levels. He is an excellent and experienced offensive coach who has run NFL and Power 5 programs and developed some truly elite players throughout his career. He'll be an excellent teacher and recruiter for us, and he absolutely strengthens our staff."

Following a disastrous season for the Patriots, where a 4-13 season saw them "mutually part ways" with legendary coach Bill Belichick after a 24-year tenure, the door opened for O'Brien to return to the college ranks. 

Before O'Brien's return to Foxboro, he spent two seasons in Tuscaloosa, replacing then-newly named Texas coach Steve Sarkisian as the Alabama Crimson Tide's offensive coordinator.  

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Despite the Crimson Tide never being able to capture a national title in O'Brien's time as their play-caller, it wasn't his offense's fault. Under the direction of the former Nittany Lion coach, Alabama's offense was a top-10 scoring offense each season, averaging 39.9 and 41.1 points per game, respectively. 

Not only did the Tide put up points under the now-new Buckeyes coach, but O'Brien developed NFL talent, including a Heisman-winning and No. 1 overall pick, in quarterback Bryce Young. 

O'Brien will hope to help the Buckeyes make good on their national title aspirations after falling short in recent years.