The Ohio State football team has decided on who they want to hire for their vacant offensive line coach position.
In a strategic move to bolster its coaching staff, the Ohio State Buckeyes have appointed Justin Frye as their new offensive line coach and run game coordinator. Frye, a seasoned coach with a rich background in offensive strategy, brings a wealth of experience to Columbus.
Before joining Ohio State, Frye served as the offensive line coach and offensive coordinator at UCLA from 2018 to 2021. Under his guidance, the Bruins developed one of the nation’s most formidable rushing offenses. In the 2021 season, UCLA ranked 14th nationally, averaging 215.1 rushing yards per game. The previous year, they averaged 230.6 yards, placing them 12th nationally. These consecutive seasons of surpassing 200 rushing yards per game were significant milestones for UCLA, marking only the fourth and fifth such achievements since 1990.
Frye’s coaching journey began at his alma mater, Indiana University, where he was a standout offensive lineman. He set a school record with 45 consecutive starts and was a team captain in his senior year. Transitioning into coaching, Frye took on graduate assistant roles at Indiana and later at the University of Florida. At Florida, he contributed to an offense that led the SEC in rushing and total offense in 2009. Notably, he worked with future NFL talents like Maurkice and Mike Pouncey.
Frye’s path crossed with Ohio State’s head coach, Ryan Day, during their tenure at Temple University in 2011. Day served as the offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach, while Frye coached the offensive line. Their collaboration continued at Boston College from 2013 to 2014, where Frye was the run game coordinator and offensive line coach. Together, they orchestrated an offense that produced a Heisman Trophy finalist in running back Andre Williams, who rushed for over 2,000 yards in the 2013 season.
At Ohio State, Frye inherits a unit that has been pivotal to the team’s offensive success. In the 2022 season, the Buckeyes’ offensive line featured consensus first-team All-American left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and saw five players earn All-Big Ten honors. The team ranked 11th nationally in yards per rush, averaging 5.37, and was among the top teams in the nation for fewest sacks and tackles for loss allowed.
Frye’s appointment comes at a crucial time, as the Buckeyes aim to maintain their high-powered offense while integrating new talent into the lineup. His track record of developing robust rushing attacks and mentoring NFL-caliber linemen aligns with Ohio State’s objectives. Moreover, his previous collaborations with Coach Day suggest a seamless integration into the Buckeyes’ coaching philosophy.
In addition to his coaching acumen, Frye’s personal background adds depth to his role. An Elwood, Indiana native, he earned his degree in sports communications and broadcasting from Indiana University. He and his wife, Lauren, have four children: Kevin, Zoe, Max, and Welles.
As the Buckeyes prepare for the upcoming season, Frye’s leadership of the offensive line will be instrumental in sustaining and enhancing the team’s offensive prowess. His blend of experience, proven success, and familiarity with Coach Day’s system positions him as a valuable addition to Ohio State’s coaching staff.
In summary, Justin Frye’s appointment as Ohio State’s offensive line coach and run game coordinator represents a strategic enhancement to the Buckeyes’ coaching roster. His extensive experience and prior collaborations with Coach Ryan Day make him a fitting choice to lead the offensive line into a new era of success.
