Former Ohio State quarterback Will Howard recently expressed his strong support for the promotion of Billy Fessler to the position of full-time quarterbacks coach, emphasizing the pivotal role Fessler played in his development during the Buckeyes’ national championship-winning season. Howard, who transferred from Kansas State to Ohio State for his final year of eligibility, credited Fessler’s mentorship as integral to his success on the field.
Reflecting on his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine in late February, Howard stated, “I’m so happy for him. If Coach Day didn’t hire him to be the quarterback coach, I would have had a problem with it. He taught me so much this year [and] he was integral to my development. He is absolutely 100 percent the best man for the job.”
Fessler’s coaching approach resonated with Howard, particularly due to their relatively close ages, which facilitated a strong rapport. Howard noted, “He brings a human element to where he’s not that much older than us so he’s able to relate to us on a guy-to-guy level, but he’s also able to lock in.”
During the 2024 season, Fessler served as an analyst but was actively involved in coaching the quarterbacks. His promotion to full-time quarterbacks coach was a move Howard wholeheartedly endorsed, acknowledging Fessler’s significant impact on his performance. Under Fessler’s guidance, Howard led the Buckeyes to a national championship victory over Notre Dame, throwing for 231 yards and two touchdowns, and rushing for an additional 57 yards in a 34-23 win.
Howard’s journey from being ranked 882nd in his recruiting class to becoming a national championship-winning quarterback underscores the effectiveness of Fessler’s coaching. Howard expressed immense gratitude towards Coach Ryan Day for bringing him into the program and providing the opportunity to work with Fessler, stating, “I basically owe my life to that guy. He’s developed me. I’ve never been coached so hard.”
The synergy between Howard and Fessler not only elevated Howard’s game but also contributed to Ohio State’s first national championship since 2014, solidifying Fessler’s reputation as a rising star in coaching. As the Buckeyes look ahead, Fessler’s role in mentoring the next generation of quarterbacks will be crucial in maintaining the program’s competit
ive edge.
