Ohio State football adds UCLA defensive assistant to coaching staff

Posted by author March 2, 2025 Football

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Ohio State football lost many coaches, including both coordinators this offseason. Chip Kelly went to be the offensive coordinator with the Las Vegas Raiders while Jim Knowles opted to stay in the Big Ten but to take on a role at Penn State as its defensive coordinator, likely having a more impactful role in the entire operations than he did at Ohio State.

Regardless of the reason for leaving, Ohio State had to revamp its coaching staff, and it has chosen to add former UCLA defensive assistant Tony Washington Jr. to the staff.

Washington Jr. played at Oregon from 2010-2014, a program the Buckeyes are going to continually know better and better with the Ducks entering the conference for the first time this past season. Washington Jr. went on to play in the NFL with the Texans and Titans before becoming a coach, starting his career with the Nebraska Cornhuskers as a graduate assistant.

Washington Jr. rose through the ranks from an assistant at Oregon to outside linebackers coach with the Ducks and then to defensive line and outside linebackers coach with the UCLA Bruins last season. A 2-time Rose Bowl champion, Washington Jr. should bring a strong mix of competitive fire and on-field success with him to Columbus.

While the jury is obviously still out, this should be a huge win-win situation with Washington Jr. getting a premier Big Ten gig while Ohio State is able to get a winner to help Matt Patricia, who will serve as the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator next season.