NCAAF: Former NFL LB James Laurinaitis Named Ohio State Linebackers Coach
Ohio State’s coaching staff has made headlines over the past couple weeks. As recently hired OC Bill O’ Brien left for the Head Coach position at Boston College. Which then led the Buckeyes to snag former UCLA Head Coach Chip Kelly. Surprisingly from a now in-conference foe to fill O’Brien’s spot. This past Thursday, they made headlines once again. Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day filled the last vacancy on his full-time staff. Graduate Assistant James Laurinaitis, was elevated to Linebackers Coach after signing a two-year contract with the school.
You might think to yourself “Where do I know that name from?” If you were an NFL or NCAAF fan in the early-mid 2010’s, then you probably heard his name. Let’s take a look at the playing experience that Laurinaitis brings to his new role in “The Shoe” on Saturdays next season.
Buckeye Bred
A Minnesota Native, Laurinaitis played 4 seasons at LB for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 2005-2008. During his time in the Scarlet and Grey, he was named an All-American 3 times, and was a 2x Big Ten DPOY (2007, 2008). Opposing QBs never wanted to see #33 standing across from them. The 6-foot-2 team captain played in 51 games through his career. Missing only one regular season game, in his freshman season. His 375 tackles, puts Laurinaitis at #7 on the Ohio State All-Time list.
“Battering” Ram
In the 2009 NFL Draft, the then St. Louis Rams selected Laurinaitis with the #35 pick. While he never made a Pro Bowl during his 8-year career, the former Buckeye made his time in the NFL a good one. Amassing 664 total tackles and 16.5 sacks. You can see Laurinaitis’ name in record books, after leading the NFL in tackles during the 2012 season with 117. How a guy can lead the league in tackles and not make a Pro Bowl is beyond me.
As noted before, Laurinaitis was a graduate assistant. Meaning he couldn’t go on recruiting trips etc., With this promotion, it gives the Buckeyes yet another step up on the recruiting competition. Having a guy who knows the culture through and through, and has NFL experience is always helpful. The Ohio State coaching staff is now as strong as it ever has been. Add the incoming transfers and freshmen, it’s set to be yet another great season for the Scarlet and Grey.