Ohio State is elevating tight ends coach Keenan Bailey to the role of co-offensive coordinator, as reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Bailey, who will continue to oversee the tight ends, is entering his third year in that position and his ninth overall season with the Buckeyes. Since joining the program as an offensive intern in 2016, Bailey has worked with all five offensive position groups, making him highly qualified to assist Brian Hartline in coordinating Ohio State’s offense in 2025.
Despite never having held a full-time coaching role before his promotion to tight ends coach in 2023, Bailey has long been regarded as a crucial behind-the-scenes figure in both Ohio State’s offensive strategy and recruiting efforts. Head coach Ryan Day praised Bailey during the Buckeyes’ national championship celebration last month, calling him “probably the most unsung hero on our staff, the hardest worker in the building.”
Bailey is the third returning offensive assistant to earn a promotion for the 2025 season, joining Hartline, who was elevated to offensive coordinator, and Billy Fessler, who transitions from offensive analyst to quarterbacks coach. The only new full-time offensive assistant will be Tyler Bowen, who takes over as offensive line coach and run game coordinator, while running backs coach Carlos Locklyn returns for his second season with the team.
Meanwhile, Ohio State is still searching for a defensive coordinator to replace Jim Knowles. Day mentioned on Friday that he hopes to finalize the 2025 coaching staff this week.
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