Major news that reaches both college and the NFL alike as Ohio State offensive line coach Justin Frye is expected to take the same position with the Arizona Cardinals. Frye, in his third year with the Buckeyes, jumps to the NFL after helping the Buckeyes with a national championship this season. His exit indeed represents a significant transition for Ohio State as a replacement is tasked with taking such an important job in its staff, while this is a vital addition for a Cardinals club intent on strengthening depth on the field, especially around the offensive line.
Frye's Time at Ohio State and to the NFL
Justin Frye's time in Columbus has been one filled with ups and downs. Since his arrival in 2022, he brought instant excitement as an offensive line coach and associate head coach for offense. Frye took over duties from Greg Studrawa in the Buckeyes' coaching circle. He experienced his best this season, steering through a serious of major injuries to the line, including losses of starting left tackle Josh Simmons and Rimington Trophy-winning center Seth McLaughlin. With these setbacks Frye still could field a cohesive unit that was sacked only four times during a playoff run where it out-gained opponents 392 yards combined on the ground. It was that resilience that allowed Ohio State to win the national championship and complete a year of ups and downs.
Most remarkably, he used more than 20 different combinations of offensive linemen throughout the season-a coaching feat, to say the least. Still, Frye's year wasn't without its criticism. Frye did catch some heat for his recruiting, which had been below the typical standard set by Ohio State. Since his arrival, he signed only two top-100 offensive linemen: in-state products Luke Montgomery and 2025 signee Carter Lowe. Depth was also a concern, particularly at tackle, but the on-field product quieted many of his critics.
Now, Frye is in line for his first NFL coaching job with the Arizona Cardinals, filling a position vacated by Klayton Adams when he was hired as offensive coordinator of the Dallas Cowboys. It reunites Frye with former Ohio State standout Paris Johnson Jr., the Cardinals' starting left tackle and a 2023 first-round draft pick whom Frye coached during his final season with the Buckeyes. With Frye's experience coaching the offensive line at a high level at stops such as UCLA, Boston College, and Temple, and a brief stint as UCLA's offensive coordinator under Chip Kelly, he was too good to pass up for the Cardinals. He reportedly interviewed for a similar role with the Chicago Bears earlier this week, meaning the NFL had a high interest in his expertise.
Impact on the Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals are adding a coach who has shown the ability to develop talent and handle adversity. Frye's work in retooling Ohio State's offensive line, particularly midway through the season with the losses of two All-Americans, has been widely praised by analysts and players alike. His new role in Arizona also opens the door to working with former Buckeye's star wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., coming off his rookie season with the Cardinals. Having an Arizona team striving to improve performance in the trenches, Frye's hiring becomes a strategic attempt to bring stability and expertise to the unit.
Ohio State's Next Challenge: Filling the Huge Shoes of Frye
And for Ohio State, his move leaves a hole that is at least as wide as the gigantic shoes he occupies-the second coaching vacancy in this offseason alone after defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left for Penn State. It is an especially difficult time, with Ohio State set to defend its national title in the 2025 season. Head coach Ryan Day will have to move fast to find a replacement who can keep the offensive line performing while trying to fix the recruiting and depth issues that plagued Frye's tenure.
A few potential candidates have emerged as possible replacements. One of those options could come in the form of Kevin Wilson, a former Ohio State offensive coordinator and tight ends coach whose coaching resume in regard to leading the offensive line dates back all the way to Oklahoma in the early 2000s. Recently let go after a two-year stint at the helm for Tulsa, he has deep connections with the program and would represent a very comfortable face for Day to welcome aboard. Another in-house option is Tim Drevno, currently an offensive quality control coach for the Buckeyes. However, Ohio State is also expected to explore external candidates to ensure the best fit for the program’s long-term goals.
Day has emphasized the importance of finding the right person to continue the program’s success, not just in terms of on-field results but also in player development. As he said following the national championship, his coaching philosophy is about helping young men reach their goals and dreams, which will more than likely guide the hiring process. The next offensive line coach will have to hit the ground running, particularly on the recruiting trail, if Ohio State is going to stay ahead in college football.
Looking Ahead
Frye's rise to the NFL is a new chapter in his career, epitomizing how to beat the odds while delivering results in the highest college football echelon. Ohio State, meanwhile, will look toward continuing its trajectory of championships amidst the coaching gaps left by both Frye and Knowles. How the Buckeyes adapt will be one of the biggest storylines going into the 2025 season.
Considering Frye, being reunited with Paris Johnson Jr. and the opportunity to work with an offensive line needing improvement at the Cardinals may set the stage for a very successful NFL coaching debut. For Ohio State, his loss is a gain, as it simply shows the type of coaches that have come through the program.
In all, Justin Frye's move to the Arizona Cardinals is a moment of importance both for himself and the programs concerned. Ohio State has to deal with how it will replace a coach who was integral to its recent championship success, while Frye is off into a new challenge in the NFL. The next few weeks are important for both parties as they look toward their respective futures.
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