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Ryan Day talks loss of co-defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, recruiting impact
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Jeff Hafley was the co-defensive coordinator at Ohio State before becoming the head coach at Boston College. Hafley has said that he didn’t expect a chance to come this quickly, but, starting in 2020, he will be the leader of the Eagles.
RELATED: Jeff Hafley talks balancing new job at Boston College and coaching OSU through Playoff
For now, though, Hafley is preparing the Buckeyes to beat Clemson in the semifinal game on Saturday, Dec. 28. Ryan Day spoke with the media Monday and talked about Hafley, the coaching staff in general and some of the recruits Hafley built relationships with:
Day on filling the void left by Jeff Hafley: "Obviously we want to do it as fast as we can but we're going to get the best coach in America to coach that position."
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) December 16, 2019
Day: "We're certainly going to miss Jeff. He's going to do a great job at Boston College. But we've got a great staff (and will be fine)."
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) December 16, 2019
Day said the idea of having co-coordinators was done in part with the idea that no one coach would be indispensable. Day said basic defensive scheme — 4-man front, 1 deep safety, cover 1 and 3 — is his philosophy.
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) December 16, 2019
Day said he always has a list of potential coaches just because coaching staffs change all the time.
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) December 16, 2019
Day on OSU defense after Hafley: "The defense isn't going to change."
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) December 16, 2019
More on recruits:
Day on reassuring DB commits post-Hafley: "I talked to those guys every day for the most part. The response has been great. Certainly they're disappointed they're not going to be coached by Jeff," But said opportunity to play will be there and new coach will be great.
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) December 16, 2019
Day said he expects all five DB commitments to sign on Wednesday.
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) December 16, 2019
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.