Ohio State has added a longtime NFL assistant and renowned taekwondo instructor to its defensive staff.
Joe Kim, who’s worked for 11 different NFL teams as a pass rush consultant and skill development coach, has joined Ohio State’s staff to work with the defensive line, [Lettermen Row](https://www.on3.com/teams/ohio-state-buckeyes/news/ohio-state-buckeyes-football-joe-kim-defense-defensive-coaching-staff-line/) reported Tuesday.
Joe Kim’s Coaching History
Years
University/Organization
Position
2025
Illinois
Skill Development Coordinator
2019-24
New England Patriots
Director of Skill Development
2018
New England Patriots
Pass Rush Consultant
2017
Football Combatives
Head Coach/Founder
2016
Cleveland Browns
Skill Development Coach
2015
Washington Redskins
Skill Development/Assistant Strength Coach
2014
Chicago Bears
Skill Development/Assistant Strength Coach
2010-13
Kansas City Chiefs
Pass Rush Consultant
2010
New York Giants
Pass Rush Consultant
2009-10
Penn State
Pass Rush Consultant
2009
Buffalo Bills
Pass Rush Consultant
2007
Denver Broncos
Pass Rush Consultant
2005
Green Bay Packers
Pass Rush Consultant
2001-06
Miami Dolphins
Pass Rush Consultant
1999-2000
Cleveland Browns
Assistant Strength Coach/Pass Rush Specialist
1998
Dallas Cowboys
Pass Rush Consultant
1992-95
Cleveland Browns
Assistant Strength Coach/Pass Rush Specialist
Kim spent last season at Illinois as the Fighting Illini’s skill development coordinator. He’s the second new assistant to join the Buckeyes from Illinois this offseason, following special teams coordinator Robby Discher from Champaign to Columbus.
In addition to more than 30 years of coaching experience at the NFL and collegiate levels, Kim is also a renowned taekwondo instructor. According to his bio from last season at Illinois, Kim “is recognized as one of the most successful taekwondo instructors and coaches in the United States, having produced over 250 black belts as well as several national and international champions.”
Kim, who worked alongside Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia in his last NFL job as the director of skill development for the New England Patriots, received high praise from former Alabama coach Nick Saban during a 2024 episode of ESPN’s College GameDay.
“He teaches players how to attack a source, how to use and read a body position for weakness and strength. He’s the pass-rush guru,” Saban said, according to [ESPN’s Mike Reiss](https://x.com/mikereiss/status/1880294119580242038?s=46).
Kim coached one of the nation’s top pass rushers last season at Illinois, helping Gabe Jacas earn first-team All-Big Ten honors and tie for second in the conference with 11 sacks. Now, Ohio State is turning to Kim to help Larry Johnson develop a group of Buckeye pass rushers that will include the likes of Kenyatta Jackson Jr., Zion Grady, Qua Russaw and Beau Atkinson, among others, in 2026.