We’ve heard the rumor mill, but to this point nothing has been confirmed by either Ohio State or Boston College. But as the days pass, more and more sources and reports are being circulated that current Buckeye defensive coordinator and secondary coach Jeff Hafley is set to become the next head coach at Boston College.
Hafley was recruited to Ohio State to help revamp an Ohio State defense that struggled mightily in 2018. He, along with Michigan’s Greg Mattison and Al Washington have helped retool and revive a defense that has had a more simplified and aggressive scheme. The results have been drastic.
The Buckeye defense improved from one that gave up far too many big plays in 2018, to one that is 3rd in the country in scoring defense, 2nd in yards per game, and 2nd in passing yards per game.
Now, it appears as though Hafley may only be in Columbus for just one year. With success, comes these types of opportunities. Urban Meyer had to deal with it often, and now Ryan Day may have to work on plugging a big hole in the coaching staff if these reports end up being true.
Things began to emerge a few days ago, with one of the most credible sources coming from Bruce Feldman of the Athletic.
Can confirm from my sources as well that Jeff Hafley is Boston College’s new head man. Will stay on with Ohio State through the #collegefootballplayoff https://t.co/iLfWbzzOYW
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeIdman) December 11, 2019
Since then, other reports have circulated, and now we have a solid report from the Ohio State end from John Brice of Letterman Row.
Multiple tell both myself & @LettermenRow that Boston College will tab @OhioStateFB co-defensive coordinator @CoachJeffHafley as its next head coach. @ISDUpdate @mattfreemanISD https://t.co/v9e9HPCTjS
— John Brice (@JohnDBrice1) December 14, 2019
We must reiterate that there is still nothing official from either of the schools, but as soon as something materializes we’ll be on top of it. These things can be awfully tough to tiptoe when big things are still on the line with Hafley’s OSU team still working on trying to win a national championship, and with the timing of the early signing period for recruits.
Stay tuned.
