Was Mark Duffner Sniffing Ohio State?

December 6th, 2018

DC Mark Duffner

Well, the rumor was out there and being spread by a reputable newspaper.

So Joe is not going to pretend it was total BS. It was actually conceivable.

Per this Wednesday story published by NOLA.com, the online arm of the Times-Picayune newspaper in New Orleans, Bucs defensive coordinator Mark Duffner was a rumored candidate to replace Urban Meyer as head coach of Ohio State University.

Of course, Meyer already was replaced this week by Ryan Day, who was promoted from offensive coordinator.

For those unaware, Duffner was a Buckeyes assistant in the 1970s for legendary Ohio State coach Woody Hayes. Duffner also is a legend in is own right at Holy Cross, where he compiled a 60-5-1 head coaching record from 1986 through 1991. Duffner, 65, last was a head coach at Maryland (1992-1996), where he had one winning season, a 6-5 campaign in 1995.

Joe has talked to Duffner about Ohio State and he clearly holds the school in high regard.

Is it possible the genesis of the rumor had something to do with 65-year-old Duffner having his agent sniff around Ohio State opportunities that could arise from Meyer’s departure?

Per Cleveland.com, Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano is nearing the end of a one-year contract extension. Duffner certainly would be more than qualified to replace Schiano.

Yes, yes, yes. Joe knows full well The Ohio State University filled the position a full two days before the New Orleans Times-Picayune ran with this rumor — someone might want to wake up the good folks in New Orleans and hand them a strong mug of Community Coffee.

And on face value it seems a stretch to hire Duffner as head coach and likely blow up all of their recruiting efforts. What high school kid is going to play for a 65-year old coach who hasn’t been in the college game for 22 years? Half the players Ohio State recruits wouldn’t know Woody Hayes (who Duffner worked under in Columbus) from Woody on “Toy Story.” This is Ohio State, not Arizona State.

That doesn’t mean someone in Columbus didn’t call Duffner’s agent to gauge interest in a defensive assistant coaching job.

Joe’s going to do more digging on this today.

17 Responses to “Was Mark Duffner Sniffing Ohio State?”

  1. Buc50 Says:

    Can’t hold that against him. That would be a primetime job and he’s almost out the door here due to no fault of his own.

  2. Todd Says:

    Well if that’s the case, good riddance.

  3. Bob in Valrico Says:

    Duffner and Buckner worked well and put together a good game plan. I would like to see more from these coaches. Considering the injuries, and personnel ,They get two thumbs up from me. The change to more of an attacking defense
    is needed and good results will get players buying into the system.

  4. Bucs Fan #7423 Says:

    Let Duffner go and hire a defensive coordinator with his own system

  5. Bob in Valrico Says:

    Systems are only as good as the players you have. Credit the defensive staff
    for adapting to a system that put players in a position to make plays.

  6. Bob in Valrico Says:

    Collapsing the pocket from both the interior and exterior of D line is the key. Not only did they keep Cam in the pocket ,but they kept a dangerous runner contained taking away an impotrant piece piece of the Panther offense.

  7. Jimbo Says:

    It was put out there by Duffner’s agent as a tool to squeeze the Glazier boys for a healthy DC contract.

  8. BucsBandit Says:

    THIS IS A HORRIBLE POST.

    That site gives NO SOURCE or provides no links to other stories about Duffner rumored to be going to Ohio State. Joe linked to the Times-Picayune newspaper story. That’s the major newspaper in New Orleans. It’s right there above. You don’t have to like it, but Joe’s not going to pretend it doesn’t exist. Joe also noted not seeing anything else out there about it. Joe also waited a day to see if the newspaper edited the story, which it didn’t. –Joe

    Also not a single mention on Twitter’s history.

    Duffner replacing Meyer (even ever as a consideration) is a JOKE. OSU would either promote from within or hire a successful college head coach from another program.

    RECRUITING is key to College Football. No way would OSU hire someone like Duffner to be head coach. [It is pretty clear you didn’t read the full story. Joe specifically wrote that in the post. — Joe] That makes absolutely ZERO sense.

  9. Dooshlarue Says:

    Oh Joe…….here ya go…..

    Ohio State sniffin’, Woody Hayes hangin”, Mark-the Duff-Duffner.
    Has he divulged a favorite snack yet?
    That’s probably all you’re waiting for before you pen another award-winning moniker

    Man I can’t wait….. I know I’ll be laughing my a$$ off so hard everytime I read it!!!

  10. Eric Says:

    only one thing to do, sign Duffner to a massive contract to make sure nobody else hires him.

    That approach has always worked well for the bucs.

  11. 813bucboi Says:

    CLEAN HOUSE REGARDLESS!!!!!!

    KRIS RICHARD 4 HC!!!!!

    #NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!…#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!…GO BUCS!!!

  12. Buccaneer Bonzai Says:

    I hope he is offered a college job and takes it. It would be good for him and great for us!

    I give him little credit for the last two games. We played bad teams. The game against the Saints is his job interview. If he can shut them down, then I might change my tune. He’d still have to keep them looking good through the rest of the year.

    All I know is that neither he nor Monken should replace Koetter, if they fire Dirk.

  13. 813bucboi Says:

    bonzai

    KRIS RICHARD shut the saints down…..you changing your tune about him?…lol…

    #NOEXCUSESIN2018!!!…#PRESSURESONTHECOACHES!!!…GO BUCS!!!

  14. Buccfan37 Says:

    Interesting info on Duffner. The Bucs should keep him.

  15. Dooshlarue Says:

    Dang Bucboi813,

    Your full-chub man crush for Kris Richards is starting to rival Joe’s crush/obsession for the immortal Johnny Football.
    But I’ll give you the edge……. KR is sooo much dreamier than JM!

  16. Jmarkbuc Says:

    37

    Nope.. a couple of decent games doesn’t land you a job. Well hopefully.

  17. Bird Says:

    He has shown to be a somewhat capable coach in a few games

    Now he is the next head coach of one of the biggest programs in college football

    Give me a break. This is stupid. Of course it’s coming from Nola who we play this week Fake news.