Ohio State Defensive Coordinator History

Ohio State Defensive Coordinator History: A Legacy of Gridiron Greatness

Introduction:

The Ohio State Buckeyes boast a rich and storied football tradition, and a significant part of that legacy rests on the shoulders of its defensive coordinators. These unsung heroes, often working behind the scenes, have shaped the Buckeye defense into a force to be reckoned with, consistently producing NFL talent and championship-caliber units. This in-depth exploration delves into the fascinating history of Ohio State defensive coordinators, examining their contributions, coaching styles, and the impact they've had on the program's overall success. We'll journey through decades of defensive schemes, coaching philosophies, and the players they mentored, painting a complete picture of this crucial aspect of Ohio State football history. Prepare to discover the unsung architects of Buckeye defensive dominance.


I. The Early Years: Building a Foundation (Pre-1970s)

Before the era of national media attention and sprawling coaching staffs, Ohio State’s defensive coordinators were often part of a smaller, more integrated coaching team. While specific coordinator titles weren't always clearly defined, the coaches responsible for shaping the defense played a vital role in establishing the program's early defensive identity. This era saw the foundation laid for the disciplined, physical style of play that would become a Buckeye trademark. We lack detailed records for every single individual contributing during this period, but the overall strategic approach focused on strong fundamentals and a relentless pursuit of the ball carrier.


II. The Woody Hayes Era and Beyond: Establishing a Dynasty (1970s-1980s)

The legendary Woody Hayes' era profoundly impacted Ohio State football, and its defensive strategy was no exception. While Hayes himself was the head coach, the assistant coaches responsible for the defense played a crucial role in implementing his vision. This period saw the emergence of strong, aggressive defensive units that consistently ranked among the nation's best. While specific coordinator names might be less prominent in historical accounts, the influence of their schemes and coaching on the Buckeye defensive identity is undeniable. The focus on physicality and a relentless pursuit of the football continued to be cornerstones of the Buckeye defense.


III. The Modern Era: Defensive Innovation and NFL Pipeline (1990s-Present)

The 1990s and beyond ushered in a new era of defensive sophistication at Ohio State. The program saw a succession of highly respected defensive coordinators, each bringing their own unique style and philosophies to the table. This period is characterized by the evolution of defensive schemes, incorporating more complex coverages and blitz packages. The list of notable defensive coordinators during this era includes names that have gone on to achieve significant success at the collegiate and professional levels, showcasing the talent pipeline that Ohio State has nurtured. We will highlight these individuals and their impact on the Buckeyes.

Jim Heacock (1986-2010): A staple of the Ohio State defensive coaching staff for decades, Heacock’s tenure was marked by consistency and the development of numerous NFL players. His defenses were known for their discipline and physicality.
Luke Fickell (2002-2011, Interim Head Coach 2011): Fickell transitioned from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator, eventually becoming the interim head coach. His experience played a role in shaping future defensive strategies.
Chris Ash (2011-2015): Ash's tenure saw a transition in defensive schemes, introducing more modern concepts and emphasizing speed.
Greg Mattison (2018-2020): Mattison brought a wealth of experience from his time in the NFL, implementing strategies that blended traditional Buckeye principles with modern defensive techniques.
Kerry Coombs (2020-2021 & 2023-Present): Coombs has brought a unique perspective, having experience both as a high school coach and in the NFL. His defenses have been characterized by aggressive play-calling.
Al Washington (2022): Washington served as a bridge between different coaching staffs, bringing continuity to the defensive strategies.


IV. Analyzing Coaching Styles and Defensive Philosophies:

The success of Ohio State’s defense has stemmed from a blend of consistent principles and evolving strategies. While different coordinators have employed variations in schemes, several core tenets have remained central to the Buckeye defensive identity:

Physicality: A commitment to aggressive, hard-hitting play has always been a hallmark of Ohio State defenses.
Discipline: The ability to execute assignments consistently and avoid costly penalties has been crucial for their success.
Talent Development: The program’s consistent production of NFL-caliber players speaks to its ability to identify, recruit, and develop defensive talent.
Scheme Adaptability: Ohio State’s defenses have demonstrated a willingness to adapt to changing offensive trends and incorporate new techniques.


V. The Impact on Ohio State's Overall Success:

The performance of the Buckeyes' defense has been inextricably linked to the program's overall success. Strong defensive units have provided a foundation for championship contention, allowing the offense to control the game and dictate the tempo. The consistent presence of top-tier defenses has helped establish Ohio State as one of college football's premier programs.


Conclusion:

The history of Ohio State defensive coordinators is a fascinating chronicle of innovation, tradition, and consistent excellence. From the early years of establishing a foundation to the modern era of strategic sophistication, these coaches have played a pivotal role in shaping the program's identity and achieving its remarkable success. Their legacies are etched not only in the record books but also in the countless players they've mentored and the championships they've helped secure. The ongoing evolution of the Buckeye defense promises an exciting future, with new coordinators continuing to build upon the rich history laid by their predecessors.


Article Outline:

Introduction: Hook, overview of the article's content.
Chapter 1: The Early Years: Building a Foundation (Pre-1970s).
Chapter 2: The Woody Hayes Era and Beyond: Establishing a Dynasty (1970s-1980s).
Chapter 3: The Modern Era: Defensive Innovation and NFL Pipeline (1990s-Present).
Chapter 4: Analyzing Coaching Styles and Defensive Philosophies.
Chapter 5: The Impact on Ohio State's Overall Success.
Conclusion: Summary and future outlook.


(Note: The detailed content for each chapter is provided above in the main article.)


FAQs:

1. Who is considered the most influential Ohio State defensive coordinator of all time? This is subjective, but Jim Heacock's long tenure and consistent success make a strong case.

2. How have Ohio State's defensive schemes evolved over time? Early defenses emphasized physicality; modern schemes incorporate more complex coverages and blitzes.

3. What is the key to Ohio State's success in developing NFL-caliber defensive players? A combination of recruiting top talent and strong coaching, emphasizing both technical skills and mental toughness.

4. How has the role of the defensive coordinator changed at Ohio State over the years? The role has become more specialized and strategic, with greater emphasis on game planning and scheme development.

5. Have any Ohio State defensive coordinators gone on to become head coaches at other prominent programs? Yes, Luke Fickell is a notable example.

6. What are some of the signature defensive plays or strategies associated with Ohio State? The aggressive blitz packages and the emphasis on stopping the run.

7. How does Ohio State's defensive recruiting compare to other top programs? Ohio State consistently ranks among the top programs in the nation for defensive recruiting.

8. How important is the defensive coordinator's relationship with the head coach? A strong working relationship is essential for effective communication and collaboration.

9. What are some predictions for the future of Ohio State's defense? The future will likely see a continuation of the strong tradition of excellence, with an emphasis on adapting to evolving offensive schemes.



Related Articles:

1. The History of Ohio State Football: A comprehensive overview of the program's history, including its defensive successes.

2. Jim Tressel's Impact on Ohio State Football: Examining the former head coach’s influence on the program's overall success, including his role in shaping the defense.

3. The Evolution of College Football Defensive Schemes: A broader perspective on how defensive strategies have changed over time, with a focus on the impact on Ohio State.

4. Top 10 Ohio State Defensive Players of All Time: A ranking of the best defensive players in Ohio State history.

5. Ohio State's NFL Draft Success Stories on Defense: Showcasing the numerous defensive players who have gone on to successful NFL careers.

6. Comparing Ohio State's Defensive Styles to its Rivals: An analysis of how Ohio State’s defensive approach differs from other top college programs.

7. The Role of Technology in Modern College Football Defense: How technology and analytics are shaping defensive strategies.

8. The Future of College Football Defense: Predictions and trends impacting the future of defensive football.

9. The Impact of Coaching Changes on Ohio State's Defensive Performance: How different coaching styles have influenced the success of the Buckeye defense.


  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Greatest Moments in Ohio State Football History Archie Griffin, 2006-09-01 Winning the 2003 national championship in dramatic fashion with a 31-24 upset of top-ranked Miami in what many called the greatest college football game of all time undoubtedly ranks as one of the most memorable moments in OSU football history. That moment, along with the Buckeyes' national championships of 1942, 1954, 1957, 1961, and 1968, is captured in this comprehensive collection of Ohio State's glorious triumphs on the gridiron. Beginning with a win over Northwestern that capped a perfect 1916 season, the book chronicles dozens of the biggest games in Buckeye history as well as highlighting some of the brightest stars to don the scarlet and gray. Included are OSU's Heisman Trophy winners Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, Hopalong Cassady, Archie Griffin, and Eddie George, as well as legendary linemen such as Lou Groza, Jim Houston, Jim Arker, Jim Stillwagon, John Hicks, Jim Lachey and Orlando Pace. Selected games include high-profile non-conference showdowns and the biggest of the Big Ten matchups as well as Rose Bowls, Gator Bowls, and Cotton Bowls, culminating with the incredible 2003 Fiesta Bowl. Whoever pronounced that OSU's victory that January night was the program's brightest moment to date might be surprised to find so many more special highlights brought to life in this book, a must for every Buckeyes fan.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Buckeye Reflections Maureen Zappala, Jack Park, 2018 The Ohio State Football narrative overflows with impressive statistics, scores and superstars including a treasury of inspiring, funny and even peculiar stories not found in the headlines. Each chapter highlights a coaching era led by one of the preeminent architects, including John Wilce, Paul Brown, Woody Hayes, and Jim Tressel. Read about players, coaches, fans, students, administrators, politicians, sportscasters and a myriad of others whose poignant perspectives, joyful celebrations and heartwarming experiences all spring from their connection to the Ohio State gridiron. Laugh over hilarious pranks, oddball coincidences and bizarre game day situations.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: The Official Ohio State Football Encyclopedia Jack Park, 2003-06 The Official Ohio State Football Encyclopedia is the definitive description of one of the most treasured and legendary traditions in American athletics. Chic Harley, Wes Fesler, Vic Janowicz, Jack Tatum, Rex Kern, Randy Gradishar, Archie Griffin, Woody Hayes, Earle Bruce, Chris Spielman, Eddie George, Craig Krenzel, Mike Doss, Jim Houston, Maurice Clarett and many more symbolize the spirit, dedication and excellence of this proud heritage. Radio commentator Jack Park has captured the essence of this unique custom, including inside descriptions of unsung players and colorful individuals who have played fascinating roles in the creation of this legendary tradition. Relive Ohio State's 2002 Championship Season and the double overtime Fiesta Bowl triumph over top-ranked Miami. Discover how coaches Paul Brown and Woody Hayes were selected to direct the Buckeye football program. Relive the '35 thriller against Notre Dame, the incredible Snow Bowl, the improbable Fifth Quarter game, the Woody-and-Bo 10-year War, and the Buckeyes' exceptional win over Purdue in 1968. Flash back with Bill Willis and Jim Parker, members of the College and Professional Football Halls of Fame.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Blue Ribbon Football Yearbook Chris Dortch, 2005
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Next Man Up! The Columbus Dispatch, 2015-01-01 On January 12, 2015 the Buckeyes secured their first-ever College Football Playoff Championship with a win over Oregon in Arlington, Texas. Officially licensed by Ohio State University and featuring stories and photos from the Columbus Dispatch, this up-to-the-minute commemorative edition features unique images and highlights from the championship game and Sugar Bowl win over Alabama and captures the team's path to its first championship since 2002. Taking readers through every exciting moment of this historic campaign, this chronicle of the Buckeyes' journey highlights the team's season from overcoming the starting quarterback's season-ending injury to the memorable wins over Big Ten foes Michigan State and Michigan to the dominating shutout of Wisconsin in the Big 10 Championship Game and the glorious moments in New Orleans and Arlington. It includes feature stories on head coach Urban Meyer, the team's seniors, and other star players—accompanied by vivid photographs every step along the way.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Saint Woody Bob Hunter, 2012-08-01 The Ohio State Buckeyes have been a powerhouse in college football for decades, with numerous national championships and NFL draftees to their credit. With such a successful history, it’s no wonder that the passion for Ohio State football has reached a level of devotion that has religious overtones. Saint Woody: The History and Fanaticism of Ohio State Football is a Bill Bryson–style look at Ohio State football and the spiritual fanaticism that surrounds it. Bob Hunter tracks the development of this powerhouse program from its earliest days to its heights under Woody Hayes, the de facto king of Ohio State football. Hayes led the team to three national championships and a record of 205-61-10 over a twenty-eight-year period and was at the heart of the “Ten-Year War,” a particularly intense period in the infamous Ohio State–Michigan rivalry. Hunter also looks at the present-day state of Buckeye football and the team’s scarlet-and-gray-clad followers, as well as its legion of detractors, who voted Ohio State as the “most hated” college team in a nationwide survey. America loves—and hates—a winner. Irreverent, honest, insightful, and always entertaining, Saint Woody will appeal to anyone whose spirit has ever lifted when hearing that famous cry “Go Bucks!”
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Ohio State University Football Vault Jack Park, 2008-04 Ohio State Football Radio Network commentator and football speaker Jack Park takes you on a memorable journey through more than 100 years of Buckeye football. The detailed scrapbook narrative contains never before-published vintage photographs, artwork and memorabilia drawn from OSU s extensive campus archives. Tucked into dozens of sleeves and pockets, fans will find reproductions of old game programs, historic tickets, bumper stickers and more. These fascinating replicas include a formation diagram for the band s famous Script Ohio, a letter from President Gerald Ford to Woody Hayes and those classic Buckeye helmet stickers. No Ohio State fan should be without this home archive of OSU s long and illustrious history.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: The USA TODAY College Football Encyclopedia 2008-2009 Bob Boyles, Paul Guido, 2008-08-04 The result of 15 years of exhaustive research, this work is the definitive statistical and factual reference for everything related to college football in the past 50 years.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Ohio State Football Ann Byers, 2013-07-15 Ohio State has had one of the most winning teams in college football for nearly a hundred years. The Buckeyes have won seven national titles and been conference champion thirty-four times. Seven of its players have received the Heisman Trophy and seventy-eight have been named All American. Thirty players or coaches have been inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and eight are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 2009 ESPN ranked the team the third most prestigious in the country. Renowned coaches who are highlighted in this thrilling volume about Buckeye football include John Wilce, Chic Harley, Francis Schmidt, Woody Hayes, John Cooper, and Jim Tressel, and exalted players such as Bill Willis, Les Horvath, Vic Janowicz, Howard Cassady, Dick LeBeau, Archie Griffin, and Joe Germaine are showcased. Sidebars offer sports enthusiasts engaging information, such as that on the Gold Pants Club, the Tunnel of Pride, and the Buckeye Battle Cry. A timeline helps the reader to access pertinent facts quickly.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: The Game: The Michigan-Ohio State Football Rivalry Ken Magee, Jon M. Stevens, 2015-09-07 Simply known as The Game, the history of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry - one of the oldest and, arguably, the fierecest in college football. With a history that stretches over a century, the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is one of the oldest in college football. The two teams claim a combined 19 national championships, hundreds of All-Americans, and 10 Heisman Trophies. Each year, millions of Buckeye and Wolverine fans watch the two teams with great disdain for one another battle in late November - usually for an opportunity to win the Big Ten championship.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Ohio State Football Robert J. Roman, 2017 THE Ohio State University. That's how Buckeyes in the NFL introduce themselves on nationally broadcast football games. And this incredible history of the team will only increase that pride in Buckeye football for players, coaches, students, alumni, and fans who love the team. Author Robert J. Roman draws on extensive archival research to tell the untold story of the early days of football at Ohio's flagship public university. The game was different. Fields were rarely level and often rocky. Eleven men played both sides of the ball, quarterbacks were often the smallest men on the team, and coaches were not allowed to communicate with the players during a game. The travel was different. The faculty of rival Ohio Wesleyan forbid their team from traveling to Columbus, where the vulgar, godless public university students might corrupt their young men. After Ohio State's first game outside the state-a victory in Kentucky-the team had to run for its life, chased by an angry mob of stone-throwing locals. But the students were the same. Eager to establish their school as the equal of older, wealthier, and more strictly religious colleges, Ohio State students saw intercollegiate athletics as their path to respectability. Do you not believe that our athletic clubs have generally represented the University with great credit to themselves and the University?, asked a student in the campus paper. Do you not believe they have spread abroad our good name and won friends for us all through the State? I tell you, in this day athletics are becoming just as much a part of a great University as Greek or mathematics. Ohio State Football: The Forgotten Dawn will not only fascinate readers interested in the school's team history, but also those interested in the early history of athletics at American public universities. Familiar debates over the construction of facilities, hiring of coaches, academic eligibility, and the authority of the faculty and the administration are all part of the story here. But above all, college football fans will see themselves, with pride, in this history of one of the sport's most famed programs. Includes forty rare photos from the Ohio State archives.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Die-Hard Fan's Guide to Buckeye Football Mark Rea, 2009-09-08 The Diehard Fan's Guide to Buckeye Football takes you back to the humble beginnings of football at The Ohio State University, and works its way Across the Field through nearly 120 years of Buckeye football legends. Rea includes complete coverage of the national championship seasons, the rich history of Ohio Stadium, recounts of the Horseshoe's greatest games, and more.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Tailgater's Guide to SEC Football Chris Warner, 2000-08-09 The definitive guide to the nation's toughest football conference; the Bible of SEC Football, the fascinating history of the nation's toughest football conference told by one of the best storytellers In the business, Dr. Chris Warner. Tailgater’s Guide to SEC Football Volume V – The definitive guide to the history and traditions of the 14 schools of the Southeastern Conference (2020). Contains profiles of great players and coaches, school histories, recipes, famous alumni, where to shop and golf, etc. The Bible of SEC Football. $15.95 Paperback, 320 pages. Synopsis: “Dan Jenkins, author and sportswriter, simply summed up the popularity of the game of football in the South with the following statement: “To Southerners, football is as essential as air conditioning.” The irreplaceable “Voice of the Volunteers” on radio during the 1950’s, George Mooney, once stated, “…No matter where I was broadcasting from, I found the fans in the South to be knowledgeable, fair—and yes, loud and frenzied. They are very proud of their rich football heritage. And they are very proud of their schools, their teams—and the deep pride that goes with being from the South.” Late legendary college football commenter Keith Jackson, in describing the SEC Football experience, once aptly stated that” …there are few instances of alleged entertainment and relaxation that can match a college football game in stirring the deepest flames of partisanship and outright provincialism. And down South you can color that partisanship passionate!” Southeastern Conference Football is the paragon of the college athletic experience. During its storied, 87-year existence, the SEC has evolved into the most impressive league of organized, intercollegiate gridiron competition in the history of the United States. No other Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) conference can boast of the many accolades and attendance records that the SEC currently holds. Furthermore, the Southeastern Conference has produced more All-American football players than any other conference. This book is dedicated to all the Southern people who live for Saturdays in the fall, for those individuals who plan their business and personal engagements around their favorite team’s football schedule; for those who always experience a rise in their body temperature when they enter the stadium; for those who shed a tear during the singing of their alma mater; and especially, for those who know all the words to their school’s fight song. It is for the people who wake up early on Sunday morning after a win so they can read each and every one of the sports columns about the game they witnessed the day before. It is for all those who enjoy good company and good food in the parking lot before the game, as much, and if not more, than the food and company at a fancy restaurant. These things that we hold dear – all true SEC fans know and love, and look forward to each autumn. It’s that time of year when the heated summer temperatures begin to fade and yield to colder days, when the leaves begin to change color, and when the youthful partisan spirit within us all crackles like the kindling of a well-planned winter fire.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: The 100-Yard War Greg Emmanuel, 2010-12-20 A rough-and-tumble pop-culture look at the history of this storied game. —National Review Online The 100-Yard War showcases two great football teams who want nothing more than to beat each other, celebrating their storied history and going behind the scenes with the players and the fans to reveal the bitterness, the passion, and the pride surrounding the Game. ESPN called it the number one sports rivalry of the century. It transcends the years, the standings, and all other distractions. And thanks to the countless remarkable football games between Michigan and Ohio State—and hundreds of thousands of devoted alumni and followers—the rivalry is now an enormous cultural event.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Buckeye Glory Days Eric Kaelin, 2004 While there certainly have been many books published on Ohio State football over the years, never before has there been a book published that lets fans actually hear the games as they happened. Author captures these great moments in Ohio State football history with the radio calls from the games on this 75-minute compact disc/book combination. Buckeye fans can listen back to the actual radio call of Howard Hopalong Cassidy's 88-yard interception return against Wisconsin in 1954; Jim Otis's touchdown run to make it 50-14 over Michigan in 1968; OSU's victory over Arizona State in the 1997 Rose Bowl; highlights from the 2002 national championship season, and many, many others. As an added bonus, the book/CD also includes some of the only known audio of the infamous 1950 Snow Bowl, helping make it a must for all Ohio State football fans.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: The USA TODAY College Football Encyclopedia 2009-2010 Bob Boyles, Paul Guido, 2009-08 The most comprehensive resource on college football ever published.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: The USC Trojans Football Encyclopedia Richard J. Shmelter, 2014-04-22 For more than 120 years, the University of Southern California Trojans have maintained a tradition of football excellence that has placed the team among the perennial elite in the collegiate ranks. Eleven national championships, 38 conference titles, 150 All-Americans, and seven Heisman Trophy winners all stand as testaments to the greatness of the Cardinal and Gold. This definitive reference chronicles the history of USC football from its first-ever game on November 14, 1888--a 16-0 victory over the Alliance Athletic Club--through 2012. Synopses of each season include game-by-game summaries, final records, ultimate poll rankings, and team leaders in major statistical categories. Biographies of head coaches and all-time USC greats, a roster of every player to don a Trojan uniform, a look at USC football traditions, and a catalog of honors received by both players and coaches through the years complete this essential encyclopedia for the Trojan faithful.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Buckeye Rebirth Bill Rabinowitz, 2013-10-01 Ohio State University's remarkable 2012 season--and the beginning of a new era at the Big Ten school—are recalled in this fascinating account. It tells the story of Urban Meyer, who accepted the job as head coach at Ohio State just before the NCAA banned the Buckeyes from postseason play in 2012, rendering them ineligible for the Big Ten Championship and bowl games. Meyer ultimately rose to the challenge of motivating a group of players to commit to the program despite the ban, and the book recounts what turned out to be one of the most remarkable seasons in Ohio State's 123-year history. Filled with never-before-revealed details about Meyer and the 2012 season, this surprising and entertaining record provides a complete picture of the new age at Ohio State.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: The Winners Manual Jim Tressel, 2010-09-30 The Winners Manual: For the Game of Life shares Ohio State football coach Jim Tressel's “Big Ten” fundamentals for success: Attitude, Discipline, Faith, Handling Adversity & Success, Excellence, Love, Toughness, Responsibility, Team, and Hope. Peppered with personal stories from Coach Tressel’s storied coaching career, this book shares the fundamental lessons that he has been imparting to his players and coaching staffs for the past 20 years. A perfect blend of football stories, spiritual insights, motivational reading, and practical application, The Winners Manual provides an inside look at the core philosophy that has positively impacted the lives of thousands of student athletes and served as the foundation for two of the most successful college football programs of all time. Includes 8 pages of color photos and a foreword from NYT best-selling author John Maxwell. All of the proceeds from the book are being donated directly to the William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library Renovation Campaign. Other features: Each chapter closes with a practical application section, where readers will be “coached” on how they can apply the lessons imparted throughout the book to their own lives, via the establishment of measurable goals. Provides a rare inside glimpse into the mind of one of the most respected coaches in college football history and into the huddle of one of the most successful football programs of all time. Filled with hundreds of inspirational stories, quotes and anecdotes.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Big Ten Football, Its Life and Times, Great Coaches, Players, and Games Mervin D. Hyman, Gordon S. White, 1977 Presents stories and anecdotes about the great coaches, players, and games in this famous college-football conference over its eighty-year history.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: The Big Buckeye Edward Milton Fisher, 1985
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: The Chase Bill Rabinowitz, 2015-09-01 This inside look at an unprecedented season follows Ohio State's road to the inaugural College Football Playoff and the national championship In The Chase, Bill Rabinowitz takes readers inside Ohio State's improbable championship season, from the final moments of their 2014 Orange Bowl loss to Clemson to the championship celebration in Arizona a year later. Fans will learn how Ohio State overcame the loss of not one but two quarterbacks—gaining inside perspective behind the dynamic between Miller, J. T. Barrett, and Cardale Jones. Rabinowitz captures the mood of the team in late November following the tragic death of Kosta Karageorge, and profiles other Ohio State stars, including Joey Bosa, Michael Bennett, Ezekiel Elliott, and more.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: One Game Season , 2007
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Above the Line Urban Meyer, 2015-10-27 The instant New York Times bestseller Remarkable lessons in leadership and team building from one of the greatest football coaches of our time. Urban Meyer has established himself as one of the elite in the annals of his sport, having lead his players to three national championships. In Above the Line, he offers readers his unparalleled insights into leadership, team building, and the keys to empowering people to achieve things they might never have thought possible. Meyer shares his groundbreaking game plan—the game plan followed every day in the Ohio State Buckeyes’ championship season—for creating a culture of success built on trust and a commitment to a common purpose. Packed with real life examples from Meyer’s storied career, Above the Line delivers wisdom and inspiration for taking control and turning setbacks into victories for a team, a family, or a Fortune 500 company.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Official ... National Football League Record & Fact Book National Football League, 1998
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: American Book Publishing Record , 2005
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: The Official NFL 1998 Record and Fact Book National Football League, 1998-07 Definitive and the only record book authorized by the NFL, this annual of information and statistics contains all-time NFL individual and team records; a complete listing of 1997 team and individual statistics; game-by-game summaries of the 1997 season; and more.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Out of the Pocket Kirk Herbstreit, 2021-08-17 This powerfully intimate, plain-spoken memoir about fathers and sons, fortitude, and football from the face and voice of college football—Kirk Herbstreit—is not just “a window into the game, but also a peek into what makes him special: his heart” (David Shaw, head coach, Stanford University). Kirk Herbstreit is a reflection of the sport he loves, a reflection of his football-crazed home state of Ohio, where he was a high school star and Ohio State captain, and a reflection of another Ohio State football captain thirty-two years earlier: his dad Jim, who battled Alzheimer’s disease until his death in 2016. In Out of the Pocket, Herbstreit does what his father did for him: takes you inside the locker rooms, to the practice fields, to the meeting rooms, to the stadiums. Herbstreit describes how a combination of hard work, perseverance, and a little luck landed him on the set of ESPN’s iconic College GameDay show, surrounded by tens of thousands of fans who treat their Saturdays like a football Mardi Gras. He takes you into the television production meetings, on to the GameDay set, and into the broadcast booth. You’ll live his life during a football season, see the things he sees, experience every chaotic twist and turn as the year unfolds. Not to mention the relationships he’s established and the insights he’s learned from the likes of coaches and players such as Nick Saban, Tim Tebow, Dabo Swinney, and Peyton Manning, as well as his colleagues, including Chris Fowler, Rece Davis, and his “second dad,” the beloved Coach Lee Corso. Yes, Kirk Herbstreit is the undeniable face and voice of college football—but he’s also a survivor. He’s the quiet kid who withstood the collapse of his parents’ marriage. The boy who endured too many overbearing stepdads and stepmoms. The painfully shy student who always chose the last desk in the last row of the classroom. The young man who persevered through a frustrating Ohio State playing career. The new college graduate who turned down a lucrative sales job after college to pursue a “no way you’ll make it” dream career in broadcasting. Inspiring and powerful, Out of the Pocket “proves the importance of perseverance and family” (Peyton Manning).
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: 1968 Dave Hyde, 2008
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Chic Bob Hunter, Marc Katz, 2008
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: The Ten Year War Joel Pennington, 2005 A blow-by-blow account of those fantastic football clashes. Go inside the locker rooms, the huddles, the practices, the coaches' headsets, and onto the field through the recall of the men who played in and coached these classic games. Relive the glorious victories and the crushing defeats through the memories of dozens of Michigan and Ohio State greats like Bo Schembechler, Archie Griffin, Rick Leach, Rex Kern, Rob Lytle, Earle Bruce, Gary Moeller, John Hicks, Thom Darden, Randy Gradishar, Dennis Franklin, Tom Cousineau, Reggie McKenzie, Jim Otis, and many others.With nearly 50 photographs and countless detailed accounts of the inside stories of the games, you?ll almost be able to hear the pads colliding. Each chapter captures the plays, the calls, the controversies, and the story of each game. The book also traces the unique relationship between Bo and Woody from player-coach to intense competitors and beyond. You?ll see their fierce motivational techniques as well as the genuine care they had for their players.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Ohio State University Monthly Ohio State University. Alumni Association, 1945
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: The Road to Ohio State Doug Lesmerises, Ryan Day, 2021-09-14 Back to the start and behind the scenes on the Buckeyes recruiting trail The Ohio State University boasts one of the nation's most storied football programs, and the recruiting acumen of coaches like Jim Tressel and Urban Meyer plays a major role in that. The Road to Ohio State is a wild ride into the competitive world of college football recruiting, revealing how some of the most memorable Buckeyes players found their way to Columbus. Doug Lesmerises takes fans back to the start and behind the scenes, showing that the path to the Shoe is not always a straight and narrow one.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Congressional Record United States. Congress, 2004 The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. It is published daily when Congress is in session. The Congressional Record began publication in 1873. Debates for sessions prior to 1873 are recorded in The Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States (1789-1824), the Register of Debates in Congress (1824-1837), and the Congressional Globe (1833-1873)
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Woody's Boys Alan Natali, 1998 When Alan Natali--ex-athlete, professor, writer--set out to record conversations with some of the greatest players in Ohio State University's storied football history, he found that the liveliest, most quotable, and most dominant Buckeye was a man who had been dead for nearly a decade--OSU's legendary coach Wayne Woodrow Hayes. What began as a book of interviews ended as a striking, insider's picture of bigtime college football.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: The Official NFL 1999 Record and Fact Book National Football League, 1999-07 Complete NFL Records, all-time results, super bowl summaries.
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Big Ten Football Gregory Richards, 1987
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: The Michigan Journal , 2007
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: News Photographer , 2003
  ohio state defensive coordinator history: Magazine of Sigma Chi , 1969 Vol. 31, no. 2 (p. [273]-329) includes, as supple., Minutes of the Inter-Fraternity Conference for 1911.