Kelly knows the program inside and out and has a strong relationship with head coach Ryan Day. If the timing and circumstances line up, it is easy to picture him returning to Columbus.

Ohio State Co-Offensive Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach Keenan Bailey

If the Buckeyes prefer to promote from within, Keenan Bailey is an extremely logical option. He has been working closely with Hartline throughout the 2025 season and has been instrumental in shaping the offense. Bailey began as a recruiting analyst at Notre Dame in 2014 and has steadily climbed the ladder at Ohio State since arriving in 2016. Known for his work ethic and his ability to connect with players, he has been key in developing tight end production with Cade Stover in 2023 and Max Klare in 2025.

Ryan Day offered high praise for Bailey at Big Ten Media Days in 2023, noting that Bailey has earned trust throughout the building because of his energy, consistency, and genuine connection with players. Bailey would make plenty of sense as a full-time playcaller.

Ohio State Offensive Line Coach Tyler Bowen

Tyler Bowen is another strong internal candidate. He currently leads an offensive line that has been outstanding in 2025, allowing quarterback Julian Sayin to be sacked only six times during the entire regular season. Bowen also brings prior playcalling experience and a remarkably diverse résumé that includes roles at Maryland, Towson, Penn State, and Fordham, along with NFL experience as the Jaguars’ tight ends coach.

He also has a recruiting background that should not be overlooked, especially when considering Hartline’s departure. Bowen was responsible for landing players such as Theo Johnson, Brenton Strange, Olu Fashanu, and Tyler Warren at Penn State, all of whom went on to become NFL starters. That track record could be significant as Ohio State looks to maintain its recruiting edge.

UCLA Offensive Coordinator Jerry Neuheisel

Jerry Neuheisel is a compelling name who will appear in many OC discussions this offseason. After taking over playcalling duties in Week Four, he helped UCLA surge with three straight wins over Penn State, Michigan State, and Maryland, sparking real excitement around the Bruins. He was also spotted speaking with Ryan Day following UCLA’s recent loss to Ohio State in Columbus.

This would be an intriguing pairing. Neuheisel is young, creative, and full of potential, and he could thrive with the level of talent Ohio State brings in year after year.

North Texas Offensive Coordinator Jordan Davis

Jordan Davis is one of the hottest offensive names on the market this year. He orchestrated the nation’s top total offense and top scoring offense at North Texas, and with head coach Eric Morris taking over at Oklahoma State, Davis may also be ready for a new opportunity. His background is loaded with quarterback development, having worked with Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech, Cam Ward at both Incarnate Word and Washington State, John Mateer at WSU, and Drew Mestemaker this year at North Texas.

Davis could be a fascinating match with Ryan Day, and his arrival might push the Buckeyes’ offense to an even more explosive level.

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