Troy Smith in 2007 GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 08: Quarterback Troy Smith #10 of the Ohio State Buckeyes calls a play against the Florida Gators during the 2007 Tostitos BCS National Championship Game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on January 8, 2007 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
By Kevin Harrish on

While most college football stars who go play for the Ohio State Buckeyes have dreams of making a football career in the NFL, a few former Ohio State stars are moving into a new career in football – as high school football coaches.

This week, Elyria Catholic High School announced that it had hired former Ohio State offensive lineman Chase Farris as its new head football coach after he grew up in Elyria, Ohio, attending rival Elyria High School.

But Farris won’t be coming to Elyria Catholic alone. He’s bringing two other Buckeyes with him: Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Troy Smith, who will be Elyria Catholic’s offensive coordinator, and cornerback Doran Grant, who will be the Panthers’ defensive coordinator.

Farris explained that the decision to bring two former Ohio State players with him was about surrounding himself with individuals that he can trust.

“Having that brotherhood, having the individuals that you can call on when times get tough. Like Doran, I trust him with my life; he was my roommate for four-plus years,” Farris said in a video shared by Mark Perez-Krywany. “Being able to be in the trenches, in the foxhole, with these individuals, to have them as a part of this staff, it’s an overwhelming joy that I’m feeling right now.”

The players were undeniably successful during their time on the field. We’ll have to see how the former Ohio State stars do coaching a team.

[Mark Perez-Krywany]

About Kevin Harrish

View all posts by Kevin Harrish