Five Potential Candidates to Be Next Running Back Coach at Ohio State

Scottie Graham is a former Ohio State Buckeyes running back who was also a team captain in his final year sporting the scarlet and gray. Graham was recently hired as the running backs coach at Washington, after holding that title at Arizona for three years. Graham’s ties to Ohio State immediately make him a candidate, but Graham also has a solid recruiting track record helping Arizona land its first ever five-star signee.

Alabama Running Back Coach Robert Gillespie

Running backs coach at Alabama since 2021, Robert Gillespie has also been rumored to be a candidate. Gillespie, a great recruiter, has coached some of the best talent in the nation. Before his time at Alabama, Gillespie coached at North Carolina under Mack Brown where he coached Javonte Williams and Michael Carter. Coach Gillespie showed his ability to be able to rotate two very talented running backs in a committee, which he would likely have to do at Ohio State with Henderson and Judkins.

Tarleton State Assistant Coach Pepe Pearson

Pepe Pearson is also a former Ohio State running back whose ties to the Scarlet and Gray make him a candidate. Pearson recently served under Ohio State legend Eddie George at Tennessee State before taking a job at Tarleton State in 2023. Pearson has coached at an abundance of FBS schools including Marshall where he coached Brendan Knox to be selected Conference USA’s most valuable player.

Indiana Running Back Coach Craig Johnson

Craig Johnson is the current running backs coach for the Indiana Hoosiers. Johnson brings in nearly 39 years of experience from not only the college ranks, but 20 seasons of NFL experience. Ryan Day is noted as someone who likes to fill out his staff with coaches who have NFL experience, giving Johnson a leg up on his competition.

Texas Running Back Coach Tashard Choice

Running backs coach at Texas since 2021, Tashard Choice has emerged as a candidate for the Ohio State vacancy. Choice spent nine years as a player in the NFL most notably for his time with the Dallas Cowboys. A season ago Choice coached one of the best running back rooms in the nation at Texas, headlined by Jonathan Brooks and CJ Baxter. Like Gillespie, Choice showed an ability to get production out of two running backs in a committee system which will be required at Ohio State this fall.