Ohio State football makes significant hire under Ryan Day, and they did it by taking away from another Big Ten team
Ryan Day has made a key hire for the Ohio State Buckeyes from another Big Ten team’s coaching staff.
The Ohio State Buckeyes have been busy rounding out their coaching staff for the 2026 season during the past couple of weeks.
Most notably, the Buckeyes brought in Arthur Smith from the NFL to serve as the new offensive coordinator, replacing Brian Hartline as the play-caller.
Now, Ryan Day is making another significant hire for his coaching staff.
Ohio State set to hire new special teams coordinator from another Big Ten program
The Buckeyes are expected to hire Illinois special teams coordinator/tight ends coach Robby Discher as their new special teams coordinator, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Discher spent the past four seasons as the Illini’s special teams coordinator, and he built a strong reputation as one of the best in the country. Ohio State adding Discher, along with Smith, is another example of the new way the Buckeyes are operating with their coaching staff.
Ohio State is moving toward an NFL-style coaching staff. Discher won’t have to deal with recruiting and isn’t expected to be one of the 10 coaches designated to recruit. Smith is taking the same route there.
Discher has previous stops at Georgia, Toledo, Louisiana, and Tulane. Discher is a Missouri native and began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Sam Houston State in 2010.
Ohio State making a significant effort toward special teams
Adding Discher isn’t the only move to note for the special teams this offseason. Ohio State added former Baylor K Connor Hawkins from the transfer portal, and he was one of the best kickers available this winter with three years of eligibility remaining.
Going from Jayden Fielding to Hawkins should be a win for the Buckeyes because the transfer has the ability to kick 50+ yard field goals.
Day and the Buckeyes are taking key steps to improve at special teams, a spot they’ve needed to improve for some time.
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