Ohio State Hires Former UCLA Assistant Tony Washington Jr. As Assistant Defensive Line Coach 

Ohio State added another member to its coaching staff on Saturday when it hired former UCLA defensive line and outside linebackers coach Tony Washington Jr. as its defensive line coach. He replaces graduate assistant LaAllen Clark, who left his role to serve as defensive ends coach at Texas. 

Washington spent the 2024 season with the Bruins, helping them finish sixth in the country in rushing defense, allowing 96.2 yards per game and 69th in total defense (25.3 points allowed per game). He has also worked in coaching roles at Nebraska and Oregon, serving as a graduate assistant at Nebraska from 2019-20 and then in several roles with his alma mater Ducks, first as director of player development in 2021 and then as assistant defensive line coach in 2022 and outside linebackers coach in 2023.

The Los Angeles native played four seasons with the Ducks from 2011-14 as a defensive lineman and defensive end, totaling 158 tackles (93 solo, 65 assisted), 26 tackles for loss, 14 ½ sacks, eight forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. He played 15 games for Oregon in 2014 and recorded seven tackles in the team’s national championship game loss to Ohio State.

Now, Washington will coach for the Buckeyes as they look to repeat as national champions in the 2025 season. Ohio State will have a new-look defensive line next season with each of its four starters departing for the NFL. Vying for starting spots on the front four this year are Caden Curry, Kenyatta Jackson, Eddrick Houston and Tywone Malone, among others. 

Ohio State will begin spring practice on March 17.