Perry Eliano’s tenure as Ohio State’s safeties coach has come to an end after two seasons.
Ohio State confirmed on Monday that Eliano would not continue as the Buckeyes’ safeties coach for the 2024 season. His departure comes at the conclusion of the two-year contract he signed when he joined as the safeties coach in 2022.
The university is currently in the process of seeking his replacement, as stated in Ohio State’s announcement.
Eliano joined Ohio State in January 2022 as one of three new full-time defensive assistants, joining defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and secondary coach Tim Walton. Under his guidance, Ohio State’s defense notably improved over his two-year tenure, leading the nation by allowing only 145.9 passing yards per game in 2023.
Despite these defensive advancements, Eliano faced challenges in recruiting top talents. He was unsuccessful in landing key prospects, including five-star safety KJ Bolden, who happens to be his relative, for the 2024 recruiting class. Ohio State did recruit two safeties in 2024, namely four-star Jaylen McClain and three-star Leroy Roker, following the addition of Malik Hartford, Jayden Bonsu, and Cedrick Hawkins in 2023.
Eliano is the first member of Ohio State’s 2023 coaching staff to receive official notice that he won’t return in 2024. However, it’s anticipated that his departure won’t be the sole change within Ohio State’s coaching staff for the upcoming 2024 season. There are also rumors circulating about the potential exits of quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis and special teams coordinator Parker Fleming.
