Ohio University’s football program is making headlines after hiring veteran offensive line coach Ron Crook. The move comes just days after their new offensive line coach left for a job with a Big Ten program.
First-year head coach John Hauser, recently promoted from interim head coach, wasted no time filling the vacancy. Crook, who’s been around college football for almost forty years, is taking the reins.
His resume is hefty—he’s coached at Virginia Tech, Cincinnati, Stanford, West Virginia, and a handful of other programs. If you’re looking for someone who knows how to build tough offensive lines and get the run game going, Crook’s your guy.
Ron Crook’s Extensive Coaching Experience
With 36 years in college football, Crook brings a ton of experience to Ohio. Most recently, he worked as the offensive line coach at Virginia Tech under Brent Pry.
In 2023, Crook helped the Hokies finish among the top 23 teams in rushing offense, averaging just under 190 yards a game. That says a lot about his knack for building lines that can push people around.
Stints at Major College Programs
Crook’s coaching journey has taken him to some pretty big programs:
- Virginia Tech (2022-2025): Crook boosted the Hokies’ run game, helping them crack the top 23 in rushing offense during 2023.
- Cincinnati (2017-2021): In five seasons, Crook helped Cincinnati win back-to-back AAC titles and reach the College Football Playoff. The Bearcats were consistently top 25 in rushing stats under his watch.
- West Virginia (2013-2016): Crook worked on developing the Mountaineers’ offensive line, supporting a high-powered offense.
- Stanford (2011-2012): At Stanford, Crook was part of a staff that leaned hard into a physical, run-first identity, which really became their signature.
Impact at Cincinnati
Some of Crook’s best work happened at Cincinnati. His offensive line became a real strength for the Bearcats, helping the team finish top 25 in rushing offense four times and top 25 in yards per carry three times.
That consistency was key for Cincinnati’s run of AAC championships and their historic College Football Playoff appearance. Crook’s linemen could handle both the run and pass, and that versatility paid off.
Preparation for Big 12 Membership
While Crook was at Cincinnati, the program was gearing up for its jump to the Big 12 Conference. The success they had with him on staff helped set the stage for that move.
Having someone with experience building lines that can compete at the top level? That’s going to be handy for Ohio as they try to take the next step.
Additional Coaching Experience
Crook’s been around. He’s coached at the Division II, FCS, and Ivy League levels too. He spent eight years at Harvard, sharpening his skills with offensive linemen.
Earlier in his career, he was an offensive graduate assistant at Illinois in 2002, working with the O-line. That gig helped lay the groundwork for everything that’s come since.
Replacing Colin Johnson
He’s stepping in for Colin Johnson, who briefly accepted the Ohio job before heading to Michigan State as an assistant offensive line coach. Johnson’s exit opened the door for Crook’s arrival.
Johnson had bounced around, including roles at Butler (FCS – IN) and Ball State, but Ohio’s probably happy with how things turned out.
Ohio’s Offensive Coaching Staff
Crook joins a pretty experienced offensive staff at Ohio. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Scott Ishpording will be working closely with him to get things rolling.
There’s also pass game coordinator and tight ends coach Kyle Obly, plus new assistant head coach and running backs coach Lamar Conard, who just came over from Purdue. All in all, looks like Ohio’s staff is shaping up nicely.
Looking Ahead
Ohio’s gearing up for the upcoming season, and bringing Ron Crook onto the coaching staff feels like a big move. The guy’s got a ton of experience under his belt.
It’s hard not to think his background will help the offensive line—and the team as a whole. Fans and players are probably pretty curious to see what Crook changes or tweaks once he’s settled in.
For more details on Ron Crook’s hiring and other coaching news, check out Football Scoop.
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