After playing minimally as a freshman, he recorded 366 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, and nine interceptions throughout his final three seasons with the program. He was twice awarded Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and received the Butkus Award and Bronco Nagurski Trophy before being picked in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Laurinaitis, 37, dabbled in journalism after leaving the NFL at the end of the 2016 season. In 2022, he will join former Ohio State colleague Marcus Freeman’s support staff at Notre Dame. After one year, he transferred to Ohio State.
Day also revealed that defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ contract had been extended until the 2026 season. Additional Ohio State staff notes include:
- Tim Walton has been promoted to assistant head coach in addition to his current position as secondary coach. His contract has been extended to 2026.
- Larry Johnson, the associate head coach/defensive line coach, has been signed to a new deal through the 2025 season.
- Keenan Bailey, tight ends coach, has been extended through the 2025 season.
- Tony Johnson has joined the staff as a senior analyst.
