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Report: Buckeyes assistant offensive line coach Mike Sollenne leaving for job at UNLV

Spencer-Holbrookby: Spencer Holbrook12/22/24SpencerHolbrook
Mike Sollenne by Mick Walker -- Lettermen Row --
Mike Sollenne (Mick Walker/Lettermen Row)

COLUMBUS — A key piece of the Ohio State offensive line staff is reportedly moving up the coaching ranks. Buckeyes assistant offensive line coach Mike Sollene is leaving the Buckeyes program for the offensive line coaching job at UNLV, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

Sollenne has been with the Ohio State program for three seasons, helping Justin Frye and the offensive staff rebuild the offensive line unit that has struggled at times but has also shown signs of improvement.

Sollenne, who was a former graduate assistant at Florida who earned an in-season promotion to lead the offensive line under Mullen, joined the Buckeyes in a support role alongside newly-hired position coach Justin Frye during the 2022 offseason.

The Ohio State offensive line has been much maligned this season for its up and down play under Frye and Sollenne. The Buckeyes lost starters Josh Simmons and Seth McLaughlin to season-ending injuries earlier this year.

But against Tennessee in the College Football Playoff on Saturday night, the offensive line played at an extremely high level.

“I think our line played outstanding tonight,” Buckeyes offensive coordinator Chip Kelly said. “That defense going in, I think they were fifth in the country in total defense and fifth in scoring defense. So we know how difficult they can be. You watch their games, and they got after everybody they played. But credit our offensive line, keeping [quarterback] Will [Howard] clean. Will knew if he could be clean and go through his reads and get a chance to get through his progressions, we’d have a shot to beat these guys. And I think our offensive line did an outstanding job in protection tonight for Will.”

Sollenne has been a big part of the development for the offensive linemen in the room for the Buckeyes.

Now, though, he’s rejoining Mullen, who he worked for at Florida, in his new post at UNLV. And a key piece of the Ohio State offensive line operation will be departing after three years with the program.