Ohio State Loses Another Assistant as Tony Washington Jr. Heads to Kentucky
As Ohio State gears up for a pivotal postseason run, the Buckeyes are seeing more movement on the coaching staff - and this time, it’s on the defensive side of the ball.
Tony Washington Jr., who spent just one season in Columbus, is headed to Kentucky. He’ll join new Wildcats head coach Will Stein as the team’s outside linebackers coach and defensive line coach. Washington worked closely with legendary defensive line coach Larry Johnson this past year, stepping into a key assistant role after LaAllan Clark departed for Texas last offseason.
This marks the second major coaching departure for the Buckeyes heading into the postseason. Offensive coordinator Brian Hartline is also on his way out, set to take on his first head coaching gig at South Florida once Ohio State wraps up its season.
While the Buckeyes remain focused on the task at hand - a College Football Playoff run that could stretch into mid-January - the coaching carousel is already spinning. And it’s not waiting for the final whistle.
Timing Is Everything
The timing of Washington’s exit is notable. Ohio State is just days away from the first round of the College Football Playoff (Dec. 19-20), with a showdown against either Miami or Texas A&M looming in the Cotton Bowl on Dec.
- That’s followed by a potential semifinal appearance on Jan. 8-9 and, if all goes according to plan, a shot at the national title on Jan.
Add in the opening of the transfer portal on Jan. 2 - a critical window for roster management - and it’s clear the Buckeyes are navigating one of the most high-stakes stretches of the college football calendar. Losing assistants during this time isn’t ideal, but it’s also part of the modern game.
Washington’s Impact and What Comes Next
Washington’s time in Columbus was brief, but impactful. Working under Johnson, he helped guide a defensive front that played a key role in Ohio State’s success this season. His departure leaves another gap to fill in a staff that’s already bracing for change.
For Kentucky, it’s a strong pickup. Washington brings both Power Five experience and the pedigree of having worked within one of the most respected defensive line programs in the country. For Ohio State, the focus now shifts to maintaining continuity and momentum through the postseason - even as the coaching staff evolves.
Looking Ahead
The Buckeyes’ calendar is packed. Here’s what’s on deck:
- College Football Playoff First Round: 4 days away (Dec. 19-20)
- Cotton Bowl vs. Miami/Texas A&M: 16 days away (Dec.
- Transfer Portal Window: Opens in 18 days (Jan.
2-16)
- College Football Playoff Semifinal: 24 days away (Jan.
8-9)
- National Championship Game: 35 days away (Jan.
- **Next Year’s “The Game” vs.
Michigan**: 348 days away (Nov. 28, 2026)
Ohio State has its eyes on a national title, but it’s also managing the realities of college football in 2025 - where postseason prep, coaching changes, and roster decisions all collide in a matter of weeks.
The Buckeyes have been here before. Now it’s about staying locked in, even as the pieces around them continue to shift.