Todd Fitch, an integral yet often overlooked member of Ohio State football’s offensive coaching staff, is reportedly set to make a move back to the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
According to a report by Wilson Alexander of The Baton Rouge Advocate, Fitch is poised to join the coaching staff at Louisiana State University (LSU) as a senior offensive analyst focusing on quarterbacks. This role mirrors the position he held with Ohio State for the past three seasons.
Fitch’s impact on the Buckeyes program has not gone unnoticed, particularly by former Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud, who has publicly credited Fitch with playing a significant role in his development as a player.
This marks Fitch’s third stint in the SEC, underscoring his extensive experience and expertise within the conference. He previously served as the offensive coordinator for Louisiana Tech from 2016 to 2019, where he collaborated with current LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan. Additionally, Fitch has a history with SEC programs, having coached at South Carolina for five seasons from 1999 to 2003, where he worked with receivers, running backs, and quarterbacks. He also had a brief tenure as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Vanderbilt in 2000, and later served as the interim head coach following the departure of Derek Mason.
Fitch’s departure from Ohio State signifies a significant turnover within the team’s quarterback coaching staff this offseason. Corey Dennis, who previously held the position of quarterbacks coach, was not retained, allowing head coach Ryan Day to make changes and bring in new talent. Initially, Bill O’Brien was hired as the offensive coordinator, but his tenure was short-lived as he departed for Boston College. Day then made the decision to recruit Chip Kelly from his role as head coach at UCLA to fill the offensive coordinator position.
As Fitch embarks on this new chapter of his coaching career at LSU, his departure from Ohio State represents a loss for the Buckeyes, particularly in the realm of quarterback development. Nonetheless, his wealth of experience and proven track record within the SEC make him a valuable addition to the LSU coaching staff.
Overall, Fitch’s move underscores the fluidity and competitiveness within the college football coaching landscape, as coaches seek opportunities for professional growth and development. His transition to LSU signifies a new chapter in his coaching journey, while Ohio State will now navigate the challenge of filling the void left by his departure.
