Jeff Hafley was the defensive coordinator at Ohio State. However, that all changed as of Thursday night.

Now, Hafley is the new head coach at Boston College.

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Hafley isn’t just affecting Ohio State now with his move. He’s affecting the future of Ohio State, too. Hafley had a big hand in Buckeye recruiting. So, what happens to the recruits primarily recruited by Hafley if they verbally committed to Ohio State?

After all, they assumed Hafley was going to be the defensive coordinator. They didn’t think they would be playing under someone else.

Ryan Watts, for example, is a 4-star CB commit for Ohio State. On Tuesday, he tweeted this:

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There’s Watts with Hafley, in his own home.

Then, on Friday, it was official. Hafley went to Boston College:

In the end, did it affect Watts’ decision to go to Ohio State? It doesn’t seem like it:

Watts is locked into Ohio State. Nothing it seems will change his mind, Hafley or no Hafley.

But again, it goes to show how free coaches can change their mind. And, realistically, that’s their decision to make. Hafley is taking on a head coaching gig. It’s a step up in terms of responsibility and likely money. It makes sense.

But for the players that these coaches primarily recruited, to see them potentially de-commit and go elsewhere shouldn’t be entirely shocking if/when it does happen.