Ohio State names former player, All-American to LB coach role

Ohio State has named James Laurinaitis as its next linebackers coach.

Laurinaitis, who is considered to be one of the top linebackers in program history, served as a graduate assistant for the Buckeyes in 2023. His brief coaching career also includes a stop at Notre Dame.

Laurinaitis replaces Parker Fleming as an on-field assistant coach with the Buckeyes. Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles previously worked with linebackers as well at Ohio State, but that responsibility will now fall to Laurinaitis.

Ohio State has given Laurinaitis a 2-year contract, per the program.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day completed his 10-assistant coaching staff today by naming three-time Buckeye All-American James Laurinaitis as the team’s linebackers’ coach. Laurinaitis received a two-year contract through the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/LjUFcEji6g

— Jerry Emig (@BuckeyeNotes) February 15, 2024

Laurinaitis is one of the most decorated players in Ohio State history. He won the Butkus Award, the Nagurski Trophy, the Jack Lambert Trophy (twice), was a 3-time consensus All-American and twice won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

It’s unclear at this time who will replace Fleming in leading Ohio State’s special teams units. The Buckeyes currently have a full compliment of 10 assistant coaches for the 2024 season. It’s possible the Buckeyes will not have a special teams coordinator as one of their 10 on-field assistants for 2024.