On one of several key developments of the college football coaching carousel to this point in the offseason, Ohio State University has officially introduced Tyler Bowen to its coaching stable as its new offensive line coach, succeeding Justin Frye. Frye parted ways with OSU for the NFL ranks. The addition of Bowen now ushers in a new era for the Buckeyes as they seek to continue the prowess on the offensive front that defined their season-long run to the national championship.
Who is Tyler Bowen?
Bowen, 35, comes to Columbus with a diversified coaching background. The last three seasons, he spent as offensive coordinator at Virginia Tech. While with the Hokies, he split his duties coaching tight ends and quarterbacks-the versatility in both major offensive coaching roles. Before joining the Hokies, Bowen had some eloquent coaching in the Big Ten after serving the Nittany Lions of Penn State as a tight ends and co-offensive coordinator since 2018 up to 2020. During his stay with Penn State then, Bowen was the co-offensive coordinator in the year 2020 as his hot recruit list went out for Olu Fashanu and Tyler Warren.
His other NFL experience came in 2021 when he had a brief stop with the Jacksonville Jaguars under former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer, adding to his high-level football acumen. His last stop as an offensive line coach came at Maryland back in 2017, which could raise some eyebrows about the position he's taking at Ohio State.
Ohio State Implications
It says Bowen is part of a new energy Ohio State head coach Ryan Day wants to implement among the offensive coaches. There had been several departures: not just Frye but also offensive coordinator Chip Kelly to the Las Vegas Raiders and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to Penn State. Ohio State had been in flux, trying to rebuild its coaching stable; the addition of Bowen is about shoring up the staff:
Recruiting: Bowen pulled off some of the greatest recruiting during his stay with Penn State, a virtue that will come in handy as Ohio State seeks to lock down the next generation of offensive linemen, particularly in the coming recruiting cycles.
Offensive Philosophy: While not strictly an offensive line coach in recent years, Bowen brings an offensive coordinator perspective that could add some fresh twists and wrinkles to Ohio State's attack. His exposure to multiple offensive systems in the past could also be instructive on how best to hone the Buckeyes' ground-based attack.
Mentorship and Development: The task is cut out for Bowen to prove himself in the development of players, most especially the offensive line, a position very key to Ohio State's success. The last time he was directly involved in that capacity was close to a decade ago, and while it presents an opportunity, it is equally a challenge.
Upcoming Challenges
Success from Day One, Bowen steps into a role of expectation. This Ohio State OL was huge in the championship season, suffered injuries to some of your key guys, and yet still managed to be ranked top in keeping the quarterback upright. The expectation there will be that he not only maintains that mark but betters it with Bowen, especially due to the coaching turnover.
Also, how Bowen's style will mesh with the team and new offensive coordinator - possibly Brian Hartline - will be important. The synergy of the coaches is going to provide how fast Ohio State can adjust to move on back with business as usual.
Conclusion
The hiring of Tyler Bowen as an offensive line coach at Ohio State sends a message of continuity and alteration in the Buckeyes' dominant program. With a deep coaching and recruiting background, he's certainly got a lot in the toolkit to be very successful, but it'll be proven out on the field. Ohio State fans and analysts alike will pay close attention as Bowen shapes the future of one of college football's most storied programs.
This story will reflect information culled from The Athletic, The Columbus Dispatch, and posts on X to update the continuing saga that is the changeover within Ohio State's coaching staff.