Ohio State Targeting Everett Withers For Co-DC?

Is Withers talking with OSU?

Rumors are starting to be put in motion that Urban Meyer and Ohio State are looking at another candidate for defensive coordinator. That person is Everett Withers, the interim head coach at North Carolina. 

This is coming after Mike Stoops to Ohio State was shut down by Stoops himself, claiming that he didn't want the title of co-defensive coordinator. While Luke Fickell hasn't even been announced as the other co-defensive coordinator, all signs point to that being just about true. 

Backing up to Everett being a targeted man for the job, this might be an even better hire than what Stoops would have been. This is Everett's 24th season as a coach and has experience not only at the collegiate, but the pro level as well. Let's take a deeper look into who Everett Withers is after the jump.

Since taking over the program on July 28th of 2011, after Butch Davis was fired, Withers has led North Carolina to a 7-5 record and its fourth consecutive bowl bid, which comes against Missouri.

He interviewed for the permanent head coaching job that eventually went to Larry Fedora.Withers, 48, was North Carolina's defensive coordinator and secondary coach for three seasons before being named interim head coach.

Why should Ohio State hire him as a D-coordinator? 

Everett would be a fantastic hire, as he showed during this season as interim head coach that he can lead a team no matter the circumstances. He was put in the same situation Luke Fickell was put in, and still managed to look impressive.

Even though his team was decimated by suspensions and injuries in 2010, North Carolina's defense still ranked fourth in the ACC and 30th nationally. Following the season, five Tar Heel defensive players were taken in the NFL Draft, including first-round selection Robert Quinn, who missed all of the 2010 season.

In 2009, the Tar Heels were No. 6 in total defense nationally, No. 10 in rushing defense, No. 1 in scoring defense and No. 14 in pass defense.

In 2008, the opportunistic Tar Heel defense ranked eighth in the country with 20 interceptions, just one shy of the school record.

Here is Wither's coaching background before this season:

2008-10: North Carolina defensive coordinator/secondary

2007: Minnesota defensive coordinator

2001-06: Tennessee Titans defensive backs

1998-2000: Texas defensive backs

1995-97: Louisville defensive coordinator

1994: New Orleans Saints defensive quality control

1992-93: Southern Mississippi defensive backs

1991: Tulane outside linebackers

1990: Austin Peay wide receivers/special teams

1988-89: Austin Peay defensive coordinator