The Ohio State Buckeyes have made adjustments to Ryan Day’s coaching staff as the college football offseason kicks into gear.
Special teams coordinator Parker Fleming has been relieved of his duties after an inconsistent 2023 season, while safeties coach Matt Guerrieri, a familiar face, makes a return to the program.
According to a statement from the university, Fleming, who had been in the special teams coordinator role for three seasons, faced scrutiny during his tenure in Columbus. The 2023 season, in particular, highlighted the Buckeyes’ struggles in special teams, with concerns arising from the outset. Ohio State ranked poorly nationally in punt returns, sitting at No. 100 with meager return yards and an average of less than five yards per return. Additionally, the team ranked 65th in kick return yards and 33rd in field goal kicking.
On a positive note, the Buckeyes have swiftly addressed the vacancy left by the departure of Perry Eliano, the former safeties coach whose contract was not renewed at the end of the season. Ryan Day has appointed Matt Guerrieri, a former co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Indiana, to fill the role.
Guerrieri is no stranger to the Ohio State program, having initially joined in 2022 as a senior advisor and analyst. Prior to his stint with the Buckeyes, he spent a decade with the Duke Blue Devils, beginning as a graduate assistant in 2012. Over the years, he progressed to the position of safeties coach in 2015 and eventually assumed the role of co-defensive coordinator from 2018 to 2021.
