The Ohio State football team took a major blow to its coaching staff on Friday night as Jeff Hafley became the new head coach at Boston College. Here is a quick list of candidates who could replace him.

Well, I was only six days off in my prediction but according to ESPN and multiple reports, Ohio State co-defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley took the head coaching position at Boston College.

Martin Jarmond, Boston College Athletic Director and former Ohio State assistant AD, said this via ESPN:

“Jeff’s shown throughout his coaching career he is a tremendous leader with high integrity and a gift for teaching,” Jarmond said. “His passion, leadership and ability to recruit and develop student-athletes make him the right fit to lead Boston College to greater heights on and off the field.”

By all accounts this is a home run hire for Boston College and a great fit for Jeff Hafley returning to the east coast. But it leaves the Buckeyes looking for a new secondary coach and co-defensive coordinator.

My initial list included former Rutgers head coach Chris Ash, but its been reported by 247Sports that he is set to become the new defensive coordinator at Texas. So with that being said, let’s run through a short list of potential options.

Matt Barnes, Ohio State special teams/assistant secondary coach

Matt Barnes would be an intriguing option with the idea that he would only be in charge of the secondary. Learning from Hafley for a full season, and by all accounts a very good recruiter in his own right, Ryan Day may view Barnes as ready to lead the unit.

If Barnes were to get the job, expect to see linebackers coach Al Washington or defensive line coach Larry Johnson to get bumped up into the co-defensive coordinator role. This would also leave a void to fill for special teams coordinator.

Jim Leonhard, Wisconsin defensive coordinator

Ok, this one is a long shot but Jim Leonhard would be a great hire. Not only are you hiring a great young coach who for two halves of football slowed down Ryan Day’s offense, but you’re also hurting a Big Ten rival.

An excellent motivator and recruiter, Ohio State may have just what it needs to grab Leonhard. Play calling duties and money. Lots and lots of money.

Wisconsin is notorious for not paying assistant coaches, for example losing Dave Aranda to LSU. While Jim is an alum, a more lucrative deal may be worth him jumping ship to the Scarlet and Gray.