James Laurinaitis’ coronation as linebackers coach occurred this offseason, but he ruled as the room’s regent in all but name in 2023.
Recruiting to whatever extent a graduate assistant can, heavily involved in the position’s on-field development and even dictating some of the in-game rotations, there are only subtle ways that Laurinaitis’ promotion changed the alignment of Ohio State’s coaching staff.
“I don’t think a lot is different. I certainly felt like the linebacker coach last year,” Laurinaitis said after being named full-time linebackers coach. “I think the guys would have said the same thing. It’s the little things to me, maybe not doing some things in the breakdown that a graduate assistant does.