Ohio State Fires Special Teams Coordinator Robby Discher After Loss

Discher out after nine months

Ohio State has fired special teams coordinator Robby Discher. The decision comes after back to back blowout losses that featured major errors and penalties on special teams. Discher was in his first year with the program, lasting just nine months in the role.

Before coming to Ohio State, Discher held the same position at Illinois, where he also coached tight ends. He has additional experience coaching special teams at Tulane and Toledo. Despite his background, Ohio State has struggled on special teams this year. The Buckeyes currently rank 102nd nationally in special teams efficiency.

Breakdown against Oregon

The dismissal follows a rough performance in Saturday's 41-28 loss to Oregon. Ohio State had built an early 14-3 lead and forced Oregon into a fourth and 9 situation from the Ducks 31 yard line. Instead of punt coverage, the Buckeyes allowed a major trick play. Oregon defensive lineman Teitum Tuioti threw a jump pass to Matayo Uiagalelei for a 30 yard gain on a fake punt.

Oregon scored a touchdown shortly after the play, which turned into 38 unanswered points for the Ducks. Coach Ryan Day pointed to that moment after the game. Day said that getting off the field before the fake punt would have been a huge stop and enabled Ohio State to get the ball on offense to eat up more clock in the second quarter.

Day promised to evaluate everything following the team's second straight defeat. He emphasized that penalties are a killer and that coaches must look themselves in the mirror. Day added that accountability starts with the staff and then goes to the players.

What it means for the next game

Ohio State will look to clean up its special teams play and stop the losing streak in their next matchup.

Northwestern Wildcats at Ohio State Buckeyes (College Football, Sat, 14 Nov): Ohio State Buckeyes win 78%, Northwestern Wildcats win 22%; projected score Ohio State Buckeyes 30, Northwestern Wildcats 18. Our safest pick: Ohio State to win.