Which football coaches at Ohio State were given promotions and 2024 contract extensions?
Columbus, Ohio —A new title has been awarded to Ohio State football player Tim Walton for his growth and recruiting achievements. On Thursday, the team also revealed other staff changes.
Walton will now be the secondary and cornerbacks coach in addition to assistant head coach. Along with those job duties, he previously held the role of defensive passing game coordinator. Walton’s contract was also extended for a another two years, through the 2026 campaign.
Coach Keenan Bailey of the tight ends was given a two-year extension through 2025, and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was given one through 2026. Larry Johnson, the defensive line coach, was awarded a new two-year contract that runs through 2025.
OHIO STATE BUCKEYES NEWS AS OF LATEST
- Three-time All-American Ohio State football player promoted to linebackers coach
In 2022, Walton takes over a cornerback group lacking in both experience and quantity. Following a season marred by injury, the team bounced back with a potent 2023. One of the top cornerbacks in the Big Ten and a leader of the team was Denzel Burke. After transferring from Ole Miss, Davison Igbinosun began working there on Day 1. In his debut season, Jermaine Mathews, a true freshman, also established himself as a reliable backup.
In the 2023 class, Mathews and Calvin Simpson-Hunt were rated as four-star talents. Walton has exceeded that every year thereafter. Among the top players in the 2024 signing class were Aaron Scott (ranked No. 36) and Bryce West (ranked No. 64). Two top-10 players, Devin Sanchez and Na’eem Offord, as well as top-100 prospect Blake Woodby, have already committed to the 2025 class.
When Knowles was first recruited following the 2021 season, he agreed to a three-year contract. Ohio State finished second in the country last season in terms of defensive pass efficiency rating (99.22) and third nationally in terms of yards allowed per play (4.17).
After being promoted from a senior adviser position last season, Bailey was given a two-year contract. Since 2016, he has been at Ohio State, where he began as an intern and has since advanced through the ranks.
James Laurinaitis, a graduate assistant coach for linebackers at Ohio State, was also promoted.
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