Bill O’Brien’s hiring is a big-time move for Ohio State. In fact, Joel Klatt believes Ryan Day landing O’Brien as his offensive coordinator prepares the Buckeyes to make an immediate run in 2024.

The immediate reaction to O’Brien is likely skewed by the recent struggles of the New England Patriots under the new OC. However, Klatt reminded fans that O’Brien has extensive experience and has worked with Tom Brady while also coaching Bryce Young at Alabama.

“I know it wasn’t great in New England this past year, but Bill’s got a lot of experience. From Ryan’s perspective, I think he was looking at this and he thought to himself ‘You know what, I would rather bounce and develop and collaborate with a more experienced guy rather than groom an inexperienced, talented young guy with a lot of potential,'” said Klatt. “Why? Because I think they’re trying to gear up for a run NOW.”

The move is largely interesting because it relegates Brian Hartline back to his previous role as wide receivers coach after also holding the OC role during the 2023 season. However, Klatt questions if Hartline’s ultimate goals involve being an offensive play-caller.

“I do think there’s going to be a lot of speculation about Brian Hartline in all of this… I know Brian pretty well, I don’t know if he wants to be a play-caller,” Klatt questioned. “I do believe he has aspirations for being a head coach at some point in his life, but I don’t know if he wants to go the route of being an OC and then a head coach, and I don’t think he has to.”

Here is Klatt’s latest podcast episode with the Bill O’Brien talk beginning around the 29-minute mark: