Brian Daboll to Ohio State? Buckeyes’ OC Opening Sparks Big-Time Buzz
Brian Daboll’s NFL head coaching stint may have ended with a thud, but his name is still ringing out loud across the college football world-and it’s not just noise anymore. Less than a month after being let go by the New York Giants following a rough Week 10 performance in Chicago, Daboll’s stock is surprisingly on the rise. And now, one of the biggest programs in college football might be eyeing him for a major role.
With Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline leaving to become the new head coach at South Florida, the Buckeyes suddenly have a high-profile vacancy-and Daboll’s name is already surfacing as a potential fit. It’s an intriguing possibility, and one that makes a whole lot of football sense.
Daboll’s Offensive Pedigree Still Carries Weight
Sure, Daboll’s 20-40-1 record as an NFL head coach doesn’t exactly scream “hot commodity,” but let’s not forget what got him there in the first place. His work with Josh Allen in Buffalo helped turn a raw, toolsy quarterback into one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat stars. That transformation didn’t happen by accident.
Daboll’s offensive acumen is well-respected in football circles, and it goes beyond just his time in Buffalo. He spent 2017 as Alabama’s offensive coordinator under Nick Saban, helping guide the Crimson Tide to a national title.
That kind of résumé doesn’t just fade away because of a rough head coaching stint. In fact, it might make him even more valuable in a role where he can focus on what he does best-designing and calling plays.
Why Ohio State Makes Sense
Ohio State isn’t just any college football job-it’s one of the jobs. The Buckeyes are perennial contenders, stacked with talent, and led by a head coach in Ryan Day who’s not afraid to bring in NFL-level minds to elevate the program.
Just look at what Matt Patricia did in his first year as defensive coordinator: he took the Buckeyes to No. 1 in the country in both yards and points allowed per game. That’s not just improvement-that’s dominance.
Now imagine pairing that kind of defensive excellence with Daboll’s offensive creativity. We’re talking about a coaching staff that would be as close to NFL-ready as any in college football.
Patricia on defense, Daboll on offense, and Day overseeing it all? That’s the kind of brain trust that could make life miserable for opposing coaches and a dream scenario for recruits.
Recruiting Would Be a Breeze
Let’s be real-recruiting at Ohio State is already a well-oiled machine. But add Daboll’s NFL experience and his track record of developing talent, and you’ve got another major selling point for top-tier offensive prospects. Quarterbacks, wideouts, and offensive linemen would line up for the chance to play in a system run by a guy who’s coached at the highest level and helped mold a Pro Bowl QB.
And with the talent gap in college football often being wider than in the NFL, a sharp offensive mind like Daboll’s could do some serious damage with the right pieces. Imagine a Buckeyes offense loaded with four- and five-star athletes, guided by a coach who knows how to scheme against the best defenses in the world. That’s a scary thought for the rest of the Big Ten-and maybe even the rest of the country.
What’s Next for Daboll?
Whether it’s Ohio State or another high-profile program, it’s starting to feel like Daboll won’t be on the market for long. The Penn State job has already been floated as a possible landing spot, and now with Ohio State in the mix, the options are getting more interesting by the day.
One thing’s clear: Daboll’s coaching journey is far from over. And if he ends up in Columbus, he won’t just be looking to bounce back-he’ll be looking to build something special. The Buckeyes have the infrastructure, the talent, and now, potentially, the opportunity to add one of football’s sharpest minds to their sideline.
Stay tuned. This one’s heating up fast.