Jeff Hafley talks balancing new job at Boston College and coaching Ohio State through College Football Playoff

Jeff Hafley has quite the challenge through at least the next two weeks, and potentially for the next month. The Ohio State co-defensive coordinator will have to juggle the duties of being a head coach at Boston College while continuing to run the Buckeye defense during the College Football Playoff.

It’s going to be a tough challenge.

On Monday, Hafley was officially introduced as the next head coach of the Boston College football program, holding his introductory press conference. Obviously, Hafley was asked how he plans to handle the duties of both jobs over the next two weeks, as Ohio State prepares for a Fiesta Bowl matchup against Clemson on Dec. 28.

“I see it as a great opportunity, not a challenge,” Hafley said. “I look forward to doing both.

“I wish I could stay here and keep working, but I have to go back and win a national championship.”

Hafley has completely transformed Ohio State’s defense, taking it from a middle-of-the-road unit in college football to one of the most dominant teams defensively. He’s been a huge reason why the Buckeyes won their third-straight B1G title and are back in the College Football Playoff.

Hafley takes the job at Boston College after spending just one season in Columbus. It’s a move he never thought he would make after a year with a program.

“I never thought that I would leave Ryan after one season,” Hafley said. “Quite honestly, that’s not what I planned on doing, but when this one opened, it felt special, and it felt right. That’s why I’m here.”

Boston College finished the 2019 season with a 6-6 record and earned a spot in the Birmingham Bowl, where it will face Cincinnati. The Eagles decided to part ways with former head coach Steve Addazio at the end of the year.

Hafley was officially named the head coach on Saturday.