TYLER BOWEN LEAVES VIRGINIA TECH FOR OHIO STATE OVER NOTRE DAME AND OREGON—HERE’S WHY
tyler bowen, who served as virginia tech’s offensive coordinator since 2022, has officially left the program to join ohio state as the buckeyes’ new offensive line coach. bowen’s decision to move to columbus comes despite reported interest from notre dame and oregon, both of which had vacancies on their coaching staffs. so, why did he choose ohio state over these other top-tier programs? let’s break it down.
ohio state’s national championship ambitions
one of the biggest reasons bowen chose ohio state is the program’s consistent national championship aspirations. the buckeyes are coming off a strong 2024 season and remain one of the most dominant forces in college football. with head coach ryan day leading the way, ohio state consistently attracts top-tier talent, both in recruiting and the transfer portal. for bowen, this means working with elite offensive linemen and having a shot at competing for a national title every season—something notre dame and oregon haven’t achieved in recent years.
familiarity with the big ten
bowen has previous experience coaching in the big ten, most notably during his time at penn state, where he worked under james franklin. his knowledge of the conference’s playing style, recruitment strategies, and overall competitiveness likely played a role in his decision. rather than stepping into unfamiliar territory with notre dame (an independent program) or oregon (soon to join the big ten but with a pac-12 background), bowen opted for a setting he already understands well.
recruiting opportunities at ohio state
ohio state has one of the strongest recruiting pipelines in the nation, particularly for offensive linemen. the buckeyes consistently land five-star recruits and develop them into nfl-ready players. bowen, known for his ability to connect with young talent, will have a major role in recruiting top offensive linemen and developing them into nfl-caliber athletes.
compared to oregon, which has had success recruiting on the west coast but lacks the same historical dominance in the trenches, ohio state provides a more established foundation for a coach like bowen. notre dame, while strong in recruiting, faces academic restrictions that can sometimes limit its ability to attract top talent at every position.
stability and career advancement
notre dame and oregon both have solid programs, but ohio state offers a more stable environment for a coach looking to advance his career. with ryan day at the helm and an elite coaching staff in place, bowen has the chance to learn from some of the best in the business while also putting himself in position for future promotions.
if bowen performs well at ohio state, he could be on the fast track to a future offensive coordinator position at a major program—or even an eventual head coaching role. the buckeyes’ national exposure, combined with their winning culture, makes columbus an ideal landing spot for an ambitious coach like bowen.
conclusion
while notre dame and oregon both presented intriguing opportunities, tyler bowen’s move to ohio state makes perfect sense. the combination of national championship aspirations, big ten familiarity, elite recruiting, and career stability all factored into his decision. with ohio state looking to maintain its dominance in the big ten and beyond, bowen’s addition to the coaching staff is yet another step toward keeping the buckeyes at the top of college football.
