Buckeyes Make a Power Move: Former NFL Lineman Billy Yates Joins Ohio State as Defensive Quality Control Coach
Ohio State is doubling down on experience and NFL pedigree with the latest addition to its coaching staff for the 2025 season. In a move that has Buckeye Nation buzzing, former NFL offensive lineman and seasoned assistant coach Billy Yates is now part of the powerhouse program, bringing a wealth of professional football insight to Columbus.
Yates, who carved out an impressive career in the NFL from 2003-2010, is no stranger to high-level football. His journey has taken him from protecting quarterbacks in the trenches to molding linemen at the collegiate and professional levels. Now, he’s set to make an impact on the defensive side of the ball, serving as a defensive quality control coach under the new defensive mastermind, Matt Patricia.
From the Gridiron to the Sidelines: Yates’ Football Odyssey
A Texas A&M alumnus, Yates began his professional playing career with the Miami Dolphins in 2003 before making his mark with the New England Patriots from 2004-2008—a tenure that saw him be part of one of the NFL’s most dominant franchises. His final seasons as a player came with the Cleveland Browns in 2009 and 2010, solidifying a career filled with hard-fought battles in the trenches.
But Yates’ passion for the game didn’t end when he hung up his cleats. His transition into coaching was swift and impactful, starting in 2013 as a strength coach at Texas A&M, where he laid the groundwork for future stars. His reputation as a high-energy motivator and technical guru led him to Bowling Green, where he took charge as the head strength and conditioning coach.
However, his big break came when he reunited with Matt Patricia in the NFL, serving as an assistant offensive line coach for the Detroit Lions in 2020. That partnership continued when Yates followed Patricia to New England, taking on the same role with the Patriots from 2021-2023. His deep understanding of offensive line play and professional-level coaching makes his shift to Ohio State’s defensive side even more intriguing.
Ohio State’s NFL Pipeline Grows Stronger
Yates isn’t the only former NFL talent joining the Buckeyes this offseason. Ohio State is stacking its staff with battle-tested veterans, adding to an already stacked lineup of football minds. Yates joins three other former NFL players making their way to Columbus:
- Marcus Johnson (Assistant Offensive Line Coach)
- Tony Washington Jr. (Defensive Program Assistant)
- Nate Ebner (Special Teams Quality Control Coach, Former Ohio State & NFL Star)
This influx of NFL experience is a game-changer for Ohio State, which now boasts seven former professional players on its coaching staff, including key returners:
- Brian Hartline (Offensive Coordinator, Former NFL Wide Receiver)
- James Laurinaitis (Linebackers Coach, Ohio State Legend & Former NFL Linebacker)
- Michael Hunter (Assistant Secondary Coach, Former NFL Defensive Back)
A Coaching Staff Built for Greatness
Ohio State isn’t just loading up on talent—it’s making strategic hires to elevate the program to new heights. Yates is one of 10 new additions to a revamped and expanded support staff, which now includes:
- Charlie Dickey (Offensive Program Assistant)
- Austin Fields (Offensive Quality Control)
- Taver Johnson (Defensive Quality Control)
- Colin Keanu (Offensive Program Assistant)
- Wendy Laurent (Assistant Tight Ends Coach)
- Miguel Patrick (Defensive Quality Control)
These fresh faces join an already strong returning group of staffers, including:
- Joshua Chorba (Defensive Program Assistant)
- Gunner Daniel (Special Teams Program Assistant)
- Tim Hinton (Offensive Quality Control)
- Devin Jordan (Offensive Program Assistant)
- Rob Keys (Special Teams Quality Control)
- Tony Johnson (Offensive Quality Control)
- Sam McGrath (Assistant Linebackers Coach)
What This Means for the Buckeyes
The addition of Billy Yates signals a new era for Ohio State’s coaching philosophy—one that embraces NFL-caliber coaching, intense player development, and championship-level preparation. With his experience under Matt Patricia and years spent grooming offensive linemen, Yates brings a unique perspective to the defensive staff, giving Ohio State’s trench warriors an edge like never before.
Could this be the missing piece in Ohio State’s quest for a national championship? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the Buckeyes are making serious moves in their pursuit of greatness.
