OT: OSU looking at Wazzu DC as 10th assistant
May be an interesting story going forward, with the way programs will treat the new position. Alex Grinch has been very successful at improving what had been a tire fire of a defense. Had Leach gone to Tennessee or anywhere else, the indications seemed to be Grinch would get the head job. He's been mentioned as a potential DC candidate for open jobs in the SEC.
This has the air of the late-90s, early aughts Yankees about it if it happens, getting guys who seem way over-qualified for the job they're going to have.
Also, we haven't heard much about where Michigan might go with the 10th job. When Smith left, the specualtion was about Zordich taking over the entire secondary and perhaps hiring a true WR coach. Maybe JH does go with Bush Sr. and a WR coach. Maybe Chuch Pagano joins his nephew? We'll see.
December 15th, 2017 at 3:48 PM ^
Sounds like what was said about Jim Harbaugh when he went from QB coach with the Oakland Raiders (2002-03) to HC at the University of San Diego in 2004.
December 15th, 2017 at 5:13 PM ^
who's been learning from some of the best in the business or he's not. If I was a MAC coach with an OC opening, I'd want to interview him to see how sharp he is. Jay is already a good recruiter and just adding his name to a staff would help there.
Is he ready right now? Probably not, but I wouldn't wait too long.
December 15th, 2017 at 1:57 PM ^
December 15th, 2017 at 2:01 PM ^
December 15th, 2017 at 3:18 PM ^
That's what my sources are telling me. Arkansas and Texas A&M are still in play, but OSU seems to be the front runner.
December 15th, 2017 at 3:52 PM ^
he is a D coordinator, hes earned it, buzz over here in Washington State is the Aggies
December 15th, 2017 at 10:54 PM ^
December 15th, 2017 at 5:38 PM ^
We need two new coaches who can recruit. I'm guessing Scott Turner lacks in that department and we already added a guy from the NFL: Pep Hamilton. We need an innovative college guy in the passing game.
December 15th, 2017 at 5:46 PM ^
For some context, this season has been the only one where Urban Meyer did not have a two DCs since he has been at Ohio State.
- 2012-2013: Luke Fickell/Everett Withers
- 2014-2015: Luke Fickell/Chris Ash
- 2016: Luke Fickell/Greg Schiano
- 2017: Greg Schiano
Urban seems to prefer having co-coordinators because he loses assistants at such a fast rate that it is beneficial to have 2 coordinators on both sides of the ball to help maintain continuity. So most likely Urban is actively looking for a 2nd DC right now.
As for why Alex Grinch's name is brought up, he grew up and played high school football in Grove City, OH, which is a suburb about 15 minutes outside of Columbus, OH. Grinch also stayed local, and played at Mount Union College (DIII) about an hour away from Columbus, so he could be viewing this as a return home if he is truly considering the position.
December 15th, 2017 at 8:29 PM ^
December 16th, 2017 at 12:40 AM ^
A local CBS sports reporter in Pullman, Washington is confirming the same rumor:
Can confirm Alex Grinch is a candidate for Ohio State’s 10th assistant coaching position. If he leaves Pullman, I believe this is the job he takes. Grinch is from the Columbus area and went to Mount Union. #Bucks #Cougs
— Evan Closky (@KREMEvan) December 15, 2017