Ohio State football’s coaching clinic to feature elite linebacker reunion : Buckeye Breakfast

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Four of the most notable players from the Jim Tressel era of Ohio State football will serve as the headlines for the 2024 coaches clinic.

The annual clinic has often served as a way for the Buckeyes to honor the past whether that be looking at former coaches or players but this will be the second-straight year that’s done so in a round-table discussion format. Last year’s featured head coach Ryan Day alongside his three predecessors Tressel, Urban Meyer and John Cooper.

This year’s will feature former linebackers AJ Hawk, James Laurinaitis, Bobby Carpenter and Anthony Schlegel.

The quartet of linebackers played a significant part in the Tressel era with Carpenter, Hawk and Schlegel being linked together as the starting trio for most of their careers. Carpenter and Hawk came in together in 2002 leaving as All-Americans and first-round draft picks. Schlegel began his career at Air Force before transferring to Ohio State in 2003.

Laurinaitis followed behind the trio turning into a three-time All-American during his days as a Buckeye and is now entering his first season as the linebackers coach after spending the 2023 season in a graduate assistant role.

The clinic will also feature a presentation from Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz while former OSU offensive lineman Jim Lachey, former Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio and two of the state’s top high school coaches – Nate Moore (Massillon) and Tim Goodwin (Marion Local) – being honored with the “Ohio’s Finests” award.

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Death of an assistant

Former women’s basketball assistant coach Mark Mitchell died on Tuesday at the age of 56.

Mitchell — who is the father of Ohio State’s all-time leading scorer Kelsey Mitchell — coached on Kevin McGuff’s staff from 2013-18. During that time the Buckeyes won two Big Ten regular-season championships and one tournament title while making four NCAA Tournaments.

“As a program, we are devastated to hear of the passing of former assistant coach Mark Mitchell,” McGuff said in a statement to WCPO9. “Mark was extremely dedicated to his family, friends and players. His passion for young people allowed him to positively shape the lives of so many who had the privilege of playing for him. We mourn with Cheryl, Kelsey, Chelsea, Kevin, Cam and the extended family. Mark will always remain in our thoughts and prayers.”

Following his departure, Mitchell returned to the high school level taking over at Western Hills High School for one season before returning to college as the head coach at Wilberforce University in 2020. He stayed in that role until his death.

Key dates

• Ohio State spring game: 16 days, April 13
• NFL Draft: 28 days, April 25-27
• Chelsea and Manchester City soccer game: 128 days Aug. 3
• 2024 opener vs. Akron: 156 days, Aug. 31
• Ohio State at Oregon: 198 days, Oct. 12
• The Game 2024: 247 days, Nov. 30