Kevin Wilson keeping Ohio State national title pursuit 'first and foremost'
COLUMBUS — Ohio State offensive coordinator and tight ends coach Kevin Wilson is going to be new Tulsa’s head coach. Buckeyes offensive staffer Keenan Bailey is in line to replace Wilson as the head of the tight end room. But, for now, both are remaining in their current roles for the Buckeyes’ College Football Playoff run.
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day spoke to the local media for the first time since the announcement of Wilson’s hiring, and he was asked about Wilson’s commitment to the program through the Playoff.
“He’s going to continue to coach throughout the bowl game. He’s been doing a great job of that,” Day said. “He’s keeping Ohio State and our path to the National Championship first and foremost in his mind.”
Wilson has been on staff with the Buckeyes the last six seasons, in other words, as long as Day has been in Columbus.
Here’s where Ohio State has ranked in scoring offense since those two joined the program.
2017: T-6th (41.1 ppg)
2018: 8th (42.4 ppg)
2019: 3rd (46.9 ppg)
2020: 11th (41.0 ppg)
2021: 1st (45.7 ppg)
2022: 2nd (44.5 ppg)
“I’m standing here because of the success of our team,” Wilson said during his introductory press conference at Tulsa. “I think it’s my obligation to finish up with that team and give that team a chance to chase the national championship.”
Day was also asked about Bailey and his future role.
“Keenan Bailey, he’s an excellent coach. He’s a really sharp young man, and he’s going to do excellent things in his career.
“He’s got a bright future ahead of him.”
Bailey, 27, joined the Ohio State coaching staff in 2016. Since arriving, he has worked with just about every Buckeyes position group on the offensive side of the ball, most recently drawing praise from Ohio State tight ends and wide receivers for his help in their on-field development.
Before coming to Columbus, Bailey was a recruiting analyst at Notre Dame, his alma mater.
He is currently listed as a senior advisor to Day, but, next season, he’ll be taking on a much bigger role coaching the Buckeyes’ tight ends.
Counting down
Peach Bowl: 18 days away
Buckeyes vs. Michigan: 347 days
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