With offensive coordinator Tom Herman leaving his post at Ohio State to take over at Houston, head coach Urban Meyer needs to find a home run candidate to fill a big void in the Buckeyes' coaching staff.
Herman, who came to Columbus after successful stints as the offensive coordinator at Rice and Iowa State, helped Ohio State rewrite its record book with offenses that varied from bruising, pound-the-ground attacks to high-flying, aerial assaults. One of his greatest strengths is his flexibility; he finds what his team is good at, and then, he features it with a breathtaking efficiency.
With Braxton Miller and Carlos Hyde in the backfield, Ohio State boasted one of the nation's most powerful rushing attacks from 2012-13. With J.T. Barrett and a bevy of playmakers on the perimeter this season, Herman shifted his game plan to be more pass-heavy, which produced the No. 4 scoring offense in the country.
But it wasn't just his ability to manage an offense that made him a perfect fit at Ohio State. Herman's recruiting reach—specifically in the state of Texas—was invaluable as the Buckeyes landed Lone Star State prospects, such as Barrett and Dontre Wilson.
Bleacher Report's Ben Axelrod wrote how important it will be for Meyer to find an all-star candidate to replace Herman. Whether they provide the right fit offensively or possess the Texas connection Herman had, one of these three coordinators would be a fantastic hire for Meyer and the Buckeyes.
Scott Frost, Oregon Offensive Coordinator
Alongside head coach Mark Helfrich, Scott Frost helped Oregon's offense maintain the same effectiveness it had when Chip Kelly was at the helm.
His football knowledge stems from his playing days, when he learned from coaching legends such as Bill Walsh and Tom Osborne during his collegiate career before spending time under Bill Parcells, Bill Belichick and Jon Gruden in the NFL.
Frost was brought on at Oregon in 2009 to coach the receivers—a role he filled until last season, when Helfrich promoted him to hold offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach duties. The Ducks have soared during that stretch, averaging 555.6 total yards and 45.9 points per game since the start of 2013.
Oregon runs a wide-open attack that has similar principles to the offense Ohio State runs. Frost would not only maintain what the Buckeyes have built with Herman, he'd also be a great mentor to Ohio State's deep stable of quarterbacks. The Ducks produced a Heisman Trophy-winning signal-caller in Marcus Mariota this season. Frost's role as the quarterbacks coach was key to Mariota's success.
Lincoln Riley, East Carolina Assistant Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator
Lincoln Riley doesn't come from a big-time program like Frost, but that doesn't mean he wouldn't be a huge coup for Meyer and the Buckeyes.
An up-and-comer who learned the air-raid offense at Texas Tech under Mike Leach, Riley was brought in as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at ECU in 2010. Since then, he has orchestrated some of the most prolific units in school history, according to his official bio:
Riley's impact can simply be seen by looking at the Pirate record books as his units rank No. 1, No. 2, No. 3 and No. 4 on ECU's single-season passing list. In addition, three of his four squads are listed first, second and third on the school's yearly total offense ledgers, including a recent record-breaking 6,086-yard compilation in 2013.
His impact also helped rewrite the NCAA record book as senior wideout Justin Hardy broke the FBS career receiving record this season.
Riley would be able to do some damage with the talent Ohio State has on the perimeter.
Doug Meacham, TCU Co-Offensive Coordinator
Want ties to the talent-rich state of Texas? Why not go after TCU co-offensive coordinator Doug Meacham.
The veteran coach has coached in or around Texas for years. Prior to taking over the Horned Frogs this season, Meacham was the tight ends/inside receivers coach at Oklahoma State (2005-12) and the offensive coordinator at Houston (2013).
His best work came this year at TCU, though, as he improved an offense that averaged just 25.1 points per game a season ago to a unit that scorched opposing defenses for 46.8 in 2014. After triggering the Horned Frogs' incredible turnaround, Meacham was named a Broyles Award finalist—an award given to the nation's top assistant coach. He came up short, though, as Herman was announced the winner after Ohio State thumped Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game.
All stats via NCAA.com and B/R research.
David Regimbal covers Ohio State football for Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter @davidreg412.
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