PERRY ELIANO, OHIO STATE SAFETIES COACH FIRED
Perry Eliano, who served as Ohio State’s safeties coach for two seasons, will not continue with the team for the 2024 season, as confirmed by Ohio State on Monday. Eliano was in the final year of a two-year contract he signed in 2022 to hold the position.
Ohio State is currently conducting a search for his replacement, as mentioned in their announcement.
He arrived at Ohio State in January 2022 among three new full-time defensive assistants, working alongside defensive coordinator Jim Knowles and secondary coach Tim Walton. During Eliano’s tenure, Ohio State’s defense notably improved, leading the nation by allowing only 145.9 passing yards per game in 2023.
Despite these achievements, Eliano encountered challenges in securing top recruits, failing to bring in notable prospects like five-star safety KJ Bolden, who happens to be a relative. The 2024 recruiting class saw the addition of two safeties: four-star Jaylen McClain and three-star Leroy Roker, following the 2023 recruitment of Malik Hartford, Jayden Bonsu, and Cedrick Hawkins.
Eliano is the first member of Ohio State’s 2023 coaching staff to receive confirmation of not returning for the 2024 season. However, his departure is not expected to be the sole change for Ohio State’s coaching staff in 2024, as rumors suggest the potential exits of quarterbacks coach Corey Dennis and special teams coordinator Parker Fleming.
