The clock is ticking in Columbus, and the Ohio State Buckeyes are still without an offensive coordinator heading into the 2026 season. With Brian Hartline now taking his talents to South Florida, head coach Ryan Day is back at the drawing board, searching for the next voice to lead one of college football’s most scrutinized and high-powered offenses. And while no official offer has been extended yet, all signs point to Day keeping a close eye on the NFL coaching carousel.
That brings us to Chicago. The Bears’ postseason run came to a heartbreaking end in overtime against the Rams - a gut-punch of a loss for a franchise hungry for playoff success.
But in Columbus, that result might actually be good news. Why?
Because it potentially clears the path for an intriguing candidate to enter the picture: J.T. Barrett.
Yes, that J.T. Barrett.
Barrett, now the quarterbacks coach for the Bears, is suddenly available for interviews - and if Ohio State is serious about exploring all options, you’d expect his name to come up. Barrett has been quietly building his coaching résumé in the NFL, working under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, one of the league’s brightest offensive minds.
That’s no small thing. Johnson’s system helped elevate rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to a breakout year, and Barrett played a key role in that development.
While Barrett hasn’t called plays at the college or pro level, his football IQ, leadership, and familiarity with the Buckeye program make him a compelling option. He’s been in the fire as a player - a three-time captain and one of the most productive quarterbacks in school history - and he knows what it takes to win in Columbus.
From a recruiting standpoint, he’d be a home-run hire. High school quarterbacks would line up for the chance to be coached by a guy who’s lived the Buckeye experience and made it work at the next level.
Of course, this isn’t a done deal. We’re still in the early stages.
Whether Day brings Barrett in for a formal interview will tell us a lot. If he does, it means Barrett is a real contender.
If not, it likely signals that Day has his sights set on other NFL assistants - possibly ones with more play-calling experience or deeper ties to his offensive philosophy.
Either way, the next few days will be telling. The Buckeyes don’t seem to be in a rush, but with spring ball inching closer, the need for clarity is growing. Whether it’s Barrett or someone else, Ohio State’s next offensive coordinator will step into a pressure-packed role with sky-high expectations.
Stay tuned - this search is far from over, and the Buckeyes’ next move could shape the trajectory of their offense for years to come.