The search for Ohio State’s next offensive coordinator continues, and with each passing day, the picture becomes a little clearer-even if the Buckeyes haven’t made a move just yet.
With Brian Hartline now in South Florida, Ryan Day has a key spot to fill on his coaching staff. So far, there’s been no official offer extended to any candidate, but the latest developments hint that Day may be eyeing the NFL coaching ranks. And with the Chicago Bears’ season officially over following a heartbreaker of an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams, one potential candidate just became available for a conversation.
Enter J.T. Barrett.
Yes, that J.T. Barrett-the former Buckeye legend who led Ohio State to some of its most memorable wins in recent years.
He’s currently serving as the quarterbacks coach for the Bears, where he’s been instrumental in helping Caleb Williams take a big leap in his rookie campaign. Barrett’s been working under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, widely regarded as one of the sharpest offensive minds in the league.
That experience, even in a supporting role, carries weight.
Now, let’s be clear-Barrett hasn’t called plays at the college or pro level. But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t bring value to the Buckeyes' coaching staff.
His ties to the program run deep, and his name still carries serious weight in Columbus. From a recruiting standpoint, Barrett could be a game-changer.
He knows what it takes to win at Ohio State, and he can speak that language to high school quarterbacks in a way few others can.
The question now is whether Ryan Day sees Barrett as ready for the jump to offensive coordinator. With the Bears’ season wrapped, the Buckeyes are free to bring him in for an interview if they choose. If that meeting happens-and that’s still an if-it would signal that Day is seriously considering a bold, homegrown option to lead the offense.
If not? Then it’s likely that Day has his eye on other NFL assistants, perhaps waiting for more postseason dominoes to fall before making a decision. Either way, a hire doesn’t appear imminent, and the Buckeyes seem content to take their time to get this one right.
One thing’s for sure: Ohio State fans won’t have to wait much longer to see whether J.T. Barrett is in the mix. And if he is, it would mark a fascinating new chapter in the career of one of the program’s most beloved quarterbacks.