Keenan Bailey bringing energy, enjoying first spring as Buckeyes full-time assistant coach
COLUMBUS — Ohio State tight ends coach Keenan Bailey waited. And waited. And waited. Bailey kept working with the Buckeyes to showcase why he should be promoted to a full-time assistant coaching job.
Ryan Day knew what he had in Bailey, and Day didn’t waste much time promoting Bailey to tight ends coach once Kevin Wilson left for the head coaching job at Tulsa.
Just 10 practices into his career as a Buckeyes assistant coach, Bailey met with the media for the first time as an assistant. He was asked whether it has truly set in yet that he’s leading his own unit for the first time after numerous years as an assistant’s assistant. His answer didn’t disappoint.
“I hope not,” Bailey said. “I hope not. The second I do that, I’m robbing these guys and maybe one percent of my best, so I hope it’s going to be hair on fire.”
Bailey has a ultra-talented room led by fifth-year senior and captain Cade Stover. The Buckeyes also have fourth-year tight ends Gee Scott Jr. and Joe Royer ready to make an impact, as well as Sam Hart, Bennett Christian and Jelani Thurman progressing and pushing for an expanded role as spring winds down.
Bailey is having a blast coaching the unit. He is loving his first spring as a full-time assistant.
“I don’t want it to end,” Bailey said. “My worst time of my day is when Coach Day [ends practice]. I swear. I just have so much fun with my guys — because of the guys. We’re talking about eight dudes, 15 practices and knock on wood, but no one that started spring has miss a single practice yet. These guys just want to get better. They want to get coached. … It is a riot.”
That youthful energy and exuberance doesn’t seem to be wearing off any time soon for Keenan Bailey. After waiting for a chance to become a full-time Ohio State assistant coach, Bailey is finally in that position. And he’s making the most of every day he has to be doing it.
Spencer Holbrook, Tim May and Andy Backstrom were back inside the Woody Hayes Athletic Center for a full day of interviews with the Ohio State running backs and tight ends. The crew dishes their takes after hearing from the Buckeyes skill position groups with just a few more practices left in spring ball. As spring ball is in full swing for the Buckeyes, there’s plenty to talk about. The offseason is behind us as spring football heats up more and more with each passing practice.
It’s all included in the latest Practice Report presented by Byers Auto. Find that here.
