Report: Ohio State assistant emerging as target for Akron head coaching vacancy

An Ohio State assistant could become the next head coach of the Akron Zips. According for FOX’s Bruce Feldman, Buckeyes offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson is somebody the program has heightened interest in.

“Ohio State OC Kevin Wilson is someone Akron has some interest in and may push to see if he really wants the Zips head coaching vacancy, sources tell me and Zac Jackson,” tweeted Feldman.

Wilson has experience as a head coach, serving as the leader of the Indiana Hoosiers from 2011-2016. While his record as a coach was 26–47, he took the Hoosiers from 1-11 in his first season, to a bowl game in consecutive season by his final two.

In the end, Wilson and Indiana parted ways — citing philosophical differences. Afterwards, Urban Meyer brought Wilson onto his staff as his offensive coordinator and tight ends coach.

Today, Wilson continues to hold the same position. Since he’s joined the Buckeyes, they’ve become one of the most-feared offensive teams in the nation. Additionally, Wilson has helped quarterbacks like Dwayne Haskins and Justin Fields become first round picks in the NFL Draft.

While Wilson may have been ready for his first head coaching gig at Indiana, he’s more seasoned and evolved as a coach at this moment. If Akron can pull Wilson away from the Buckeyes, it would be a home run hire for the Zips.

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Akron fired head coach Tom Arth earlier this season, ending his tenure with a terrible 3-24 record. Afterwards, Oscar Rodriguez Jr. was elevated from his post as associate head coach/inside linebackers coach to Akron’s interim head coach.

Moreover, the Zips ended their 2021 season 2-10 — a six-game losing streak to end their 2021. Additionally, they got to see Wilson first-hand — losing to Ohio State 59-7 on September 25th.

After seasons of despair under Arth, Akron is looking for a culture change. Evidently, they believe Kevin Wilson can be the one to bring that in for them.