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Ohio State fires special teams coordinator Parker Fleming

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•01/10/24•

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Parker Fleming by Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Ohio State finished with a 10-2 record, something most programs would take. Unfortunately, it feels like a failure in Columbus, especially with a loss to Michigan in there. Head coach Ryan Day certainly feels like some changes are needed and took action on Wednesday.

Special teams coordinator Parker Fleming has been fired, the school announced. He spent six seasons with the program, originally being hired back before the 2018 season. In the first three years, Fleming was a quality control coach but he was promoted to special teams coordinator in February 2021.

This will be the end of Fleming’s second stint in Columbus, beginning his career as a graduate assistant under Urban Meyer back in 2013.

Following a game against Rutgers this season, Day gave a vote of confidence for Fleming. It came after a fake punt was poorly executed, one that Day admitted should have been booted away. Day wound up taking the blame for the particular play but still said he believed in Fleming.

“I watch Parker every day and see the way that he coaches,” Day said. “I think he’s a great teacher and a great coach. I can just tell you that he works as hard as anybody in the building. But we’re all being evaluated every time we’re out there. It’s everybody that’s involved in special teams, the coordinator, although he’s ultimately in charge and I’m ultimately in charge.

“You can put it back on me.”

Fleming signed a two-year contract last offseason. However, Day felt like a move needed to be made and get somebody new moving forward.

Parker Fleming the latest special teams move for Ohio State

Ohio State may have to rework the majority of their special teams room now. Prior to Fleming being fired, punter Jesse Mirco entered the NCAA transfer portal. Mirco had been in the role for the last three seasons and was one of the best in the country.

For the time being, Joe McGuire is the only punter on Ohio State’s roster. He just wrapped up his freshman season and is just one of many Aussie punters in college football.

There is still plenty of time for Ohio State to look into the portal for somebody new. Priority No. 1 for Day will likely be finding a new special teams coordinator. Then, the duo will be able to go out there and attempt to get the entire unit back in check.