Carlos Locklyn, a notable figure in collegiate football coaching circles, has recently made headlines by reportedly rejecting a jaw-dropping \$2 million contract offer from Penn State—a decision that underscores both his loyalty to Ohio State and the intensifying competition for top-tier assistant coaches within the Big Ten.
Locklyn, born October 2, 1977, in Montgomery, Alabama, carved out his own path in football long before he reached the sidelines at Ohio State. As a student at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, he was a two‑way player: a running back and defensive back, racking up 1,555 rushing yards and another 676 receiving yards across four seasons, while also tying for the team lead in interceptions ([Wikipedia][1]). He briefly signed with the New York Giants as an undrafted free agent and later played indoor football with several teams before pivoting to coaching.
Locklyn’s coaching journey began in high school, where he gained experience in offensive and defensive coordination at various Tennessee schools. His first collegiate position came in 2017 at Memphis as a weight‑room assistant, transitioning to offensive analyst and later director of high‑school relations ([Wikipedia][1]). Following a fruitful stint at Western Kentucky as running backs coach in 2021, he landed at Oregon in 2022, where he helped develop a dynamic ground game. His success caught Ohio State’s eye, and he was hired by the Buckeyes ahead of the 2024 season.
At Ohio State, Locklyn earned \$650,000 in base salary plus a bonus of \$227,500 during his inaugural season ([SI][2]). That compensation sits comfortably among the top echelons of position coaches nationally. Still, the reported \$2 million offer from Penn State not only eclipsed it but also served notice of how aggressively Power Five programs are pursuing proven assistant coaches.
Penn State’s reported proposal would have made Locklyn one of the highest-paid position coaches in college football. It arrived amid an already heated arms race for assistant coaches, especially with Penn State’s current running backs coach, Stan Drayton—another high-profile, former Ohio State coach—departing for a head coaching role at Temple. Drayton began his tenure at Penn State this year and is widely respected for his energetic approach and recruiting ability ([Facebook][3], [Wikipedia][4]). It was in that context that Locklyn reportedly received his offer.
That Locklyn declined—even after reportedly being approached with such a sum—is telling. It suggests a deeper connection to Ohio State, its head coach Ryan Day, and the Buckeyes’ environment. Ohio State’s coaching staff has thrived under Day’s reign, with the Buckeyes clinching the College Football Playoff National Championship recently. Locklyn, integral to that success, clearly saw promise in what lies ahead in Columbus .
This decision also shines a light on market dynamics. Over the past few years, salaries for top assistant coaches have skyrocketed. Defensive coordinators like Michigan’s Wink Martindale now earn in the range of \$2.3–2.7 million per year . Even position coaches at elite programs routinely receive half‑to‑seven‑figure salaries that outpace many head coaches at mid-tier FBS programs. A \$2 million offer for Locklyn not only reflects that trend but also signals Penn State’s desperate need to fill the void left by Drayton’s departure with a proven commodity.
Locklyn’s ascent also tells a story of loyalty and long-term thinking. When Ohio State hired him, they matched the buyout amount his former employer, Oregon, had requested—\$200,000—and Ohio State included that in their agreement ([SI][2], [Reddit][5]). Though Oregon initially fought over whether he owed \$400,000, the payment was anticipated by everyone involved. Yet Locklyn’s commitment extends beyond the dollar signs; his on-field success and fit with Ohio State’s system evidently weighed heavily.
The reported offer also highlights Penn State’s urgency. With Drayton gone and the running backs room in need of leadership, Penn State was reportedly prepared to allocate significant resources to secure top talent. That approach mirrors strategies seen elsewhere—such as Stanford’s overspending for coordinators or Alabama’s willingness to pay mid-level assistants at the highest tier.
But Locklyn evidently found better long-term alignment at Ohio State. His Buckeyes have top-level facilities, elite recruitment pipelines, and national championship aspirations—a package many coaches weigh heavily when choosing where to stay. At around age 47, with a resume that includes player development, recruiting acumen, and championship experience, Locklyn could parlay success into another high-payday—or even a coordinator gig—down the line.
A glance at the broader coaching landscape adds depth to this tale. In 2024, assistant coaching salaries at the top Power Five schools began approaching defensive coordinator pay. The competition is relentless. Both Ohio State and Michigan have led the charge, offering increasingly large packages to retain or snatch top-tier assistants . In this climate, Penn State’s offer to Locklyn was merely a statement that they are serious about keeping pace.
The ramifications of Locklyn’s decision go beyond salaries. It sends a message to current and future assistants: Ohio State is a place worth staying at—even in the face of eye-popping financial temptation. For recruits, it signals program stability. For rivals, it underscores that Ohio State is still quarterbacking the high-stakes chess game of elite college coaching.
Locklyn’s impact in Columbus has been tangible. The Buckeyes’ rushing attack—always potent—has grown more dynamic under his oversight. Reports from spring practice and training camp emphasized his ability to coach fundamentals, ball security, and situational vision among the backfield corps . His players are known for low turnover rates and consistent execution—benefits that resonate when playoff games are decided in inches.
Perhaps more subtle is Locklyn’s importance to recruiting. Hailing from Alabama and having coached in the South, he brings valuable relationships in key talent-rich regions. While defensive coordinators or head coaches often headline recruiting headlines, top assistant coaches like Locklyn are quietly doing significant groundwork—building rapport with athletes before campus visits, camps, or spring games. That network anchors Ohio State’s national footprint.
This episode also reflects shifting loyalties in college athletics. Coaches once saw loyalty as a quaint virtue. Now, amidst volatile college football economics, where NIL, transfer portals, and coaching turnover abound, loyalty has become strategic. By choosing Ohio State over a richer offer, Locklyn signals that faith in program culture and shared vision can override moment-to-moment financial gain.
Still, the monetary aspect cannot be ignored. While the reported \$2 million bid dwarfs his current deal, it’s also a one-off jump. Locklyn may well see greater payoff by staying and continuing to rise with Ohio State—possibly stepping into a coordinator role that pays \$1–1.5 million annually, but with broader incentives and national visibility. A head coaching pipeline is far more significant than a single payday.
Conversely, Penn State’s aggressive offer reveals its desperation and financial muscle—especially for a position coach. To top it, they would need to secure contracts and buyouts for new hires, plus match Ohio State’s infrastructure. It’s arguable whether investing \$2 million per year in an RB coach makes sense compared to allocating that money toward broader assistant salary pools, coordinator upgrades, or facilities. But no one can fault Penn State’s intent: with the Big Ten exploding, staying competitive requires bold gambits.
Ohio State, likely aware of the approach, may have quietly doubled down on Locklyn’s role—offering potential future raises, incentives tied to performance, or even coordinating roles. Success breeds opportunity, and Locklyn clearly recognized his greatest leverage lay with the Buckeyes.
The story also highlights internal dynamics at Ohio State. Ryan Day leads a top-end staff headlined by offensive coordinator and quarterback coach Chip Kelly. In this environment, Locklyn sits alongside some of the brightest schematic minds and high-profile recruiters. Choosing to remain indicates that Day’s program offers not just compensation but career development, peer respect, and championship resources.
For Penn State, the failure to land Locklyn is a blow—not just for symbolism but for momentum. It means they will need to pivot quickly, perhaps promoting internally or turning to mid-tier options. Other top assistants may view the rebuff as a rejection, weakening Penn State’s leverage in future recruiting.
