Ohio State announces contract updates for coaching staff

COLUMBUS — In addition to announcing the promotion of James Laurinaitis to linebackers coach Thursday, Ohio State also released details regarding contract updates for other members of its on-field coaching staff.

Tim Walton earned a promotion to assistant head coach to go along with his titles of secondary and cornerbacks coach. He received a two-year contract extension through the 2026 season, too.

Since Ohio State hired Walton, he’s reeled in seven On3 Industry Ranking top-10 cornerbacks, including three who have already committed in the 2025 cycle: Na’eem Offord, Devin Sanchez and Blake Woodby — they are ranked first, second and eighth, respectively, among corners in the class.

What’s more, Walton spearheaded the recruitment of former Alabama safety Caleb Downs — the On3 Industry Ranking’s No. 1 player in the transfer portal this cycle — and brought aboard former Ole Miss corner Davison Igbinosun last year. Igbinosun was part of a resurgent cornerback group that, under Walton, helped restore the secondary’s “Best in America,” or “BIA,” status in 2023.

Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles received a two-year contract extension through the 2026 season as well. Knowles is the architect of a revamped Buckeyes defense that ranked second nationally in points per game allowed (11.2) last year. To put that in perspective, in 2021, the year before Knowles joined the staff, Ohio State was 38th in the country with 22.8 points per game allowed.

In the second year of Knowles’ 4-2-5 system, the Buckeyes flourished. Perhaps most notably, Ohio State cut down on explosive plays. Instead of tolerating five a game, the Buckeyes moved further away from the havoc-driven, feast-or-famine approach Knowles took at his previous stops and focused on eliminating big gainers. As a result, Ohio State gave up only two plays of 40-plus yards from scrimmage. Every other FBS team allowed four or more in 2023.

Associate head coach and defensive line coach Larry Johnson has a new two-year contract through the 2025 season. That’s especially significant considering the yearly retirement rumors surrounding Johnson, rumors that are seemingly used against Ohio State on the recruiting trail. Head coach Ryan Day confirmed Johnson would be back for the 2024 season during his December National Signing Day press conference.

“It’s funny,” Day said at the time. “Guys have brought [his age] up over the years in recruiting. But he’s young in terms of his approach every day. He’s got a lot of energy, and he wants to continue to coach.

“The guys in the room love him. He’s still got a lot of energy when it comes to coaching, and he still has a passion for coaching. His wisdom, his experience is the best in the country. And our guys know that, and certainly people recognize that in recruiting.”

Tight ends coach Keenan Bailey also received an extension. Bailey was extended through the 2025 season after his first year as an Ohio State on-field assistant. Bailey was promoted ahead of last season and brought in two 2024 tight ends this past cycle, including Max LeBlanc, who is a top-20 prospect at the position in his class.

Bailey helped the Buckeyes land Ohio transfer Will Kacmarek this offseason as well. Kacmarek could factor into the Ohio State offense next season as an inline blocker and secondary receiving option at the position.

Summary

+ Secondary/cornerbacks coach Tim Walton promoted to assistant head coach and signs two-year contract extension through 2026 season

+ Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles signs two-year contract extension through 2026 season

+ Associate head coach and defensive line coach Larry Johnson has new two-year contract through 2025 season

+ Tight ends coach Keenan Bailey signs one-year contract extension through 2025 season