Ohio State Hires North Carolina Interim Head Coach Everett Withers

Withers will be Co-Defensive Coordinator

As we reported to you last Monday, a little over a week later, the rumor that we had told you has become official. North Carolina interim head coach Everett Withers has been hired by Ohio State.

Withers will have the title co-defensive coordinator and assistant head coach under Urban Meyer. Withers had even acknowledged the possibility before finally confirming it while speaking to reporters Wednesday. Withers will coach the Tar Heels through their AdvoCare V100 Independence Bowl against Missouri on Dec. 26.

Withers was a guest on The David Glenn Show on Wednesday, and confirmed that being a head coach was a goal of his for "at least seven or eight years." Withers appeared to have no trouble putting that goal on hold for the moment considering the opportunities in Columbus.

"At this present time I'm headed to Ohio State to be the assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator," Withers confirmed. "For obvious reasons, to have the opportunity to work on a staff with Coach [Urban] Meyer and to learn and grow with him and what he's starting at Ohio State. It's a great opportunity, a great challenge for me, and I'm looking forward to it."

Withers is expected to share the defensive coordinator duties with Ohio State's current interim head coach, Luke Fickell. Fickell was given the opportunity to stay on staff by Urban Meyer, though he has interviewed for the open head coaching position at Pittsburgh. Withers has had numerous stops as a defensive assistant before arriving in Chapel Hill, notably including stints with Texas and the Tennessee Titans of the NFL.

Keep it at Inside The Shoe for the latest updates and news on Ohio State.