James Laurinaitis moves to LB Coach for OSU

© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK

Buckeye fans can now rejoice knowing their former player whom they once cheered on Saturdays is now promoted to full-time linebacker coach for the Scarlet and Gray.

On Thursday afternoon, the Buckeyes announced that James Laurinaitis was promoted to linebacker's coach for the 2024 season. Laurinaitis inked a two-year deal that will keep him on the sidelines through at least the 2025 season. Laurinaitis returned to Columbus this past season from Notre Dame where he was a defensive analyst for the Buckeyes and focused on the linebacker unit with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. (Laurinaitis returned to Columbus in 2023 after a stint with Notre Dame. He was a defensive analyst for the Buckeyes and focused on the linebacker unit with defensive coordinator Jim Knowles.)

Ohio State had a 10th coaching vacancy with the staff turnover this off-season and many fans wanted Laurinaitis to be promoted to this role. Laurinaitis will now have full control to recruit on the road and will bring former NFL playing experience to the defensive side. It does not hurt as well that he was an All-American linebacker at Ohio State. (Laurinaitis will now have full control to recruit and will bring NFL playing experience to the defensive side of the ball. It does not hurt that he also was an All-American linebacker at Ohio State.)

The Buckeyes also announced the following staff promotions as well:

1. Tim Walton was promoted to assistant head coach and secondary coach. The new contract includes a two-year extension through the 2026 season.

2. Keenan Bailey, TE coach, was given a one-year contract extension through the end of the 2025 season.

3. Larry Johnson, DL coach and associate head coach earned a two-year extension.

4. DC Jim Knowles inked an extension through the 2026 season.

5. Tony Johnson has been hired as an analyst with the Buckeyes.