Coach Frank Solich’s lasting impact on Ohio football

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ATHENS, Ohio – Four Mid-American Conference East titles, a MAC record 115 wins and 11 bowl appearances.

During his time as head coach at Ohio, Frank Solich, a 2024 College Football Hall of Fame inductee, wrote his name into the record books. His driven, passionate and competitive personality led him and the Bobcats to success, but it is his influence that goes beyond the statistics and makes him an important figure in Bobcat history.

Ph.D. defensive end Bradley Weaver (Hilliard, Ohio) joined the Ohio football program near the end of Solich’s tenure as coach, but it didn’t take long for him to develop a positive image of him. He immediately recognized how valuable Coach Solich’s knowledge was and wanted to enjoy every moment with him. One of the moments when he and Solich spoke in private lives on in Weaver’s memory. He went into Solich’s office looking for another coach, but instead found Solich and a staff member cleaning out the office.

“I ended up talking to him and felt a strong desire to ask him for advice as a freshman. His answer was: ‘Just be yourself and never try to become someone else. “In time, everyone will know who you are,'” Weaver said.

Knowing someone believed in him gave Weaver the confidence he needed to get through his first season at Ohio. It was the same belief that the recruiting coordinator and tight ends coach had Brian Metz felt engaged with the program on his first day as a research assistant.

Solich taught Metz how to lead consistently, deal with obstacles and put player well-being first – all things he now faces as a full-time employee.

“Solich recognized that you win with people, so he was very loyal,” Metz said. “The other coaches and I continued to try to work the same way Solich did, treating people the best we could.”

Current head coach Tim Albin worked with Solich for several years and considers him a dear friend and mentor. He sees in Solich the same fire and compassion as Weaver and Metz.

“Through his leadership and example, he shaped his players and coaches into outstanding men. Everyone who played for him and trained with him got better from working with him. That’s the true impact of a coach,” Albin said.

Albin took over for Solich after his retirement in 2021. It was strange to see a different coach in charge after 16 seasons, but the Bobcats knew they were capable of anything with the way Solich had prepared them. Center for Graduates Parker Titsworth (Wexford, Pa.) is one of the few remaining Bobcats to play under Solich, and he knew the team could thrive with the way Solich left it.

Titsworth was on the team when Ohio won the 2020 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. After the Bobcats secured the win over Nevada, the team chased Solich around the field. To douse him in a french fry shower.

“His reaction was he just started eating them,” Titsworth said with a laugh.

While his legacy continues to inspire future generations of players, Solich’s impact remains felt in the hearts and minds of those he coached. His lessons of hard work, dedication and integrity are woven into Ohio’s program, shaping not just players but well-rounded individuals ready to take on the world.

Solich taught his teams that success wasn’t just about winning; It’s about becoming better people. As Solich is honored at Ohio’s game against Buffalo on October 26, memories of long practices and beautiful victories will fill the hearts of those who joined his journey with Ohio.

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