Breaking News:Ryan Day gives reasons why he hired LB Coach James Laurinaitis

Ryan Day gives reasons why he hired LB Coach James Laurinaitis 

Despite the delayed process, Ohio State has solidified its coaching staff for the 2024 season, culminating with the appointment of James Laurinaitis as linebackers coach. This decision followed

UCLA coach Chip Kelly’s announcement of his departure to become the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, filling the void left by Bill O’Brien, who transitioned to Boston College as their

new head coach. While Kelly’s interest in an NFL position was known after UCLA’s 8-5 season, the opportunity to collaborate with his former protege proved too enticing to resist. Regarding Laurinaitis,

Ryan Day recognized his dedication and meticulous approach to recruiting during his tenure as a graduate assistant in the previous season. Acknowledging

Laurinaitis’s commitment and contributions, the fifth-year Buckeyes coach deemed an internal promotion as the next logical step.

Day expressed admiration for Laurinaitis’s seamless transition from a player to a coach, highlighting the positive influence of former players like

Laurinaitis and Brian Hartline, who leveraged their on-field experiences to enhance their coaching roles. Day noted that these individuals draw on the knowledge gained, particularly in the

later stages of their NFL careers, to benefit the development of players on the field, resulting in a wealth of positive contributions from Laurinaitis.

Hartline and Laurinaitis shared a collegiate bond under Jim Tressel from 2005 to 2008, contributing to four

consecutive 10-win seasons for Ohio State. While both enjoyed successful NFL careers, they eventually recognized their calling as coaches upon retiring from

professional football. Laurinaitis, in particular, embodies the linebacker tradition at Ohio State, following in the footsteps of A.J. Hawk and establishing

himself as a dominant force in the Big Ten. Garnering two Defensive Player of the Year accolades and earning three All-Big Ten first-team selections, Laurinaitis

solidified his legacy at Ohio State. According to Day, Laurinaitis’s profound connection to and passion for Ohio State, coupled with his outstanding

achievements on the field, lend him significant credibility with both current players and prospective recruits.

Laurinaitis steps into the role of the 10th full-time assistant coach, filling the vacancy left by special teams coordinator Parker Fleming, who was dismissed in

January following a three-season tenure. While Day contemplated bringing in a dedicated special teams coordinator, he ultimately opted to promote from within

to bolster Jim Knowles’ coaching staff. Regarding special teams responsibilities, the duties are anticipated to be distributed among the coaching staff,

providing flexibility for Knowles and ensuring the continuity of a returning top-10 unit in 2024. With Laurinaitis, a three-time All-American at his position,

assuming control during practice sessions, Knowles can allocate his attention to other areas aimed at enhancing the roster. Since joining Ohio State from Oklahoma State, Knowles has

primarily coached the linebackers, with Laurinaitis actively involved in coaching duties under his supervision last season.

Get related article>>>>https://kvibezsport.co.uk/?p=7366&preview=true