But it strikes me as a bit odd that the head coach of Ohio State would talk about why he would never coach at Notre Dame with a recruit considering those two schools, especially if that were the reason.

I don't know. Maybe it's not weird.

"Don't go there. My wife doesn't like it!"

if he'd leave for any other job(s).

Pretty common tactic, and often probably quite effective.

and conversational and friendly and did not appear to be negatively recruiting but just a coach speaking to his life experiences and the things his place has to offer. But the point he's trying to have the recruit leave with is that South Bend is a dump.