COLUMBUS, OH – In a move that has sent reverberations across the competitive landscape of college football, Carlos Locklyn, the highly respected running backs coach for the Ohio State Buckeyes, has reportedly turned down an astonishing $2 million offer from Penn State. This staggering figure, which would have made him one of the highest-paid position coaches in the country, underscores Locklyn’s profound commitment to the Ohio State program and serves as a powerful testament to the allure and strategic vision of Ryan Day’s Buckeyes. The decision by LOCKLYN to forgo a massive pay raise speaks volumes about the culture, potential, and trajectory he perceives within the Ohio State football machine.
News of the unprecedented offer, which would have more than tripled Locklyn’s current reported salary of $650,000 at Ohio State, quickly spread through coaching circles and fan bases, sparking intense debate. For Penn State, it was a clear attempt to poach a rising star in the coaching ranks, a calculated move to inject new energy and recruiting prowess into their offensive staff, especially given their own aspirations to challenge Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten. For Ohio State, Locklyn’s rejection is a significant victory, affirming the strength of their coaching staff and the belief their key personnel have in the program’s direction.
To understand the magnitude of Penn State’s offer and Locklyn’s decision, it’s essential to recognize why he is such a coveted coach. Locklyn, who joined Ohio State in April 2024 after a two-year stint at Oregon, has rapidly ascended the coaching ladder. His appeal lies in a combination of factors:
- Proven Player Development: At Oregon, Locklyn developed Bucky Irving into a back-to-back 1,000-yard rusher and an All-Pac-12 selection. He also contributed to high-powered offenses at Western Kentucky and Memphis before that. His track record demonstrates an ability to maximize the potential of his running backs, equipping them with both physical skills and a strong mindset.
- Exceptional Recruiter: Locklyn is widely regarded as an elite recruiter, particularly in the Southeast. His deep ties to the Memphis area, where he coached high school football, and his charismatic personality make him highly effective on the recruiting trail. He connects genuinely with prospects and their families, a crucial asset in the fiercely competitive world of college football recruiting.
- High-Energy and Demanding Coach: Locklyn’s coaching philosophy is built on intensity and a relentless pursuit of perfection. He is known for pushing his running backs hard, emphasizing toughness, effort, and accountability. As he once stated, “If your kids soft, you soft… Take a look in the mirror.” This demanding approach resonates with elite athletes who seek to be pushed to their limits.
- Unique Background: Locklyn’s unconventional path to college coaching, which included a career in law enforcement (corrections officer and police officer), adds another layer to his persona. This background has instilled in him a unique perspective on discipline, resilience, and building character, qualities he imparts to his players.
- Immediate Impact at Ohio State: In his relatively short time at Ohio State, Locklyn has already made a significant impression. He inherited arguably the most talented running back room in the country with TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, and he’s quickly built strong relationships with them and younger backs like James Peoples and Sam Williams-Dixon. He’s spoken about instilling his “mindset” into the room, creating an edge.
Turning down a $2 million contract, especially for a position coach, is virtually unheard of. This decision suggests that Locklyn sees something at Ohio State that outweighs such a substantial financial lure. Several factors likely contributed to his choice:
- Championship Contention and Immediate Opportunity: Ohio State is perennially a national championship contender. Locklyn now coaches in a program with an elite offensive line, a potent passing game, and a loaded running back room. He has the opportunity to coach and develop NFL-caliber talent year in and year out, and to compete for national titles annually. For a coach driven by winning and developing top players, this environment is invaluable.
- Stability Under Ryan Day: Despite external pressure, Ryan Day has maintained a high level of success and has the full backing of the Ohio State athletic administration. Locklyn, having just moved from Oregon, likely values stability and the opportunity to build something long-term within a top-tier program.
- Elite Player Pool: Ohio State consistently recruits and attracts five-star talent at every position, including running back. Locklyn gets to work with the best of the best, which is a significant draw for any position coach. The current running back room, featuring TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, is arguably the best duo in college football.
- Culture and Fit: Locklyn’s comments suggest a strong personal connection and belief in the culture being built at Ohio State. He has expressed how quickly he felt at home in Columbus and the buy-in he feels from the players. For many coaches, the right fit and working environment can be more important than purely financial considerations.
- Future Career Advancement: While $2 million is a huge sum, being the running backs coach at Ohio State, a program that consistently produces NFL talent and competes for national championships, is a direct pathway to coordinator roles or even head coaching positions. The exposure and success he could achieve at Ohio State might lead to even greater opportunities down the line, financially and professionally, than a lateral move to Penn State, even with a higher salary.
- Penn State’s Role in the Big Ten: Penn State, while a strong program, is still largely seen as the second-best team in the Big Ten, consistently playing second fiddle to Ohio State. Moving there would mean directly competing against the very program he believes is on the cusp of something special. His decision reinforces the pecking order within the conference from a coaching perspective.
Locklyn’s decision has significant implications for both Ohio State and the wider college football landscape:
- Ohio State’s Retaining Power: This signals that Ohio State is not only willing to pay top dollar to attract coaches, but also that their program offers enough non-monetary value to retain them even when faced with aggressive poaching. It’s a win for Ryan Day and his ability to build and keep a cohesive, talented staff.
- The Intensifying Coaching Market: The $2 million offer highlights the escalating arms race for coaching talent. As NIL and transfer portal dynamics change, retaining top coaches has become as vital as retaining top players. Programs are clearly willing to invest unprecedented sums to secure the best minds on their staffs.
- Penn State’s Frustration: For James Franklin and Penn State, this is a clear setback. It demonstrates the challenge they face in consistently competing with Ohio State, not just on the field but in the recruitment of top coaching talent. It forces them back to the drawing board to find a comparable candidate.
- Player Trust and Continuity: For the running backs at Ohio State, Locklyn’s decision to stay provides crucial continuity and reinforcement of the bond he has already started to build with them. Players value loyalty and consistency from their position coaches.
Carlos Locklyn’s rejection of Penn State’s staggering offer is more than just a financial headline. It is a powerful affirmation of his belief in the Ohio State Buckeyes, a testament to the program’s vision under Ryan Day, and a clear signal that the allure of championship contention and elite player development outweighs even a monumental paycheck. For Ohio State, it’s a significant victory that underscores their formidable position in college football.
