Tim Hinton Officially Hired As Ohio State Tight Ends Coach

The latest Buckeye hire

According to Bill Greene, Ohio State and Urban Meyer have officially hired Notre Dame's running backs coach, Tim Hinton as an assistant coach/tight ends coach. Tim Hinton entered his 30th year of coaching in 2011, including 16 years at the collegiate level, and second as the Notre Dame running backs coach. He was an assistant coach the last six seasons at Cincinnati and served as the Bearcats' running backs coach in five of those years.

Born April 12, 1960, Hinton earned a bachelor's degree in industrial education from Wilmington in 1982 and received a master's degree in educational policy and leadership from Ohio State in 1987. His wife, Bev, and he have two daughters, Dawn and Drew.

While attending Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio, Hinton launched his coaching career, serving as an assistant coach at Amanda-Clearcreek High School in Amanda, Ohio, from 1978-80. That led to Hinton becoming a student assistant coach at Wilmington in 1981 and then he coached Wilmington's tight ends and wide receivers from 1982-84. Hinton helped his alma mater to two league crowns and a pair of appearances in the NAIA playoffs.

So how does Hinton fit in as a Buckeye?

Hinton's first exposure to major college football came as a graduate assistant at Ohio State from 1985-86. Under head coach Earle Bruce, Hinton was on staff for two bowl game appearances and the 1986 team finished 10-3 overall and 7-1 in the Big Ten Conference, earning a share of the Big Ten championship.

Interesting note: Hinton is the one who recruited Taylor Decker to ND. Could Decker follow?

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

Mike Vrabel Accepts OSU Job, Headed Home

Much to our expectations, Mike Vrabel has accepted the job to Ohio State. That job title is assistant coach, and could be a great find for the Buckeyes. Not only does this help out current players trying to get to the NFL, but think about the recruiting it could bring Luke Fickell's staff. A just retired NFL player that was outstanding at what he did could be a serious attention grabber for some big time defensive recruits. Simply because he has been there and knows what NFL scouts are looking for and what teams will treat them like, etc.

Vrabel will bring some serious intensity to this team and get them fired up. I'm truly excited about this pick up, because if anyone is going to motivate this team into doing things no one thought possible it's Mike Vrabel. An impressive NFL career that included 4 Super Bowls, Vrabel knows how to win. This is a refreshing choice by the Ohio State office, and I think we're in for a treat.

Luke Fickell Named Assistant Head Coach

Great choice by Ohio State for the first 5 games

As of yesterday, Luke Fickell was named by Ohio State that he would be the head coach for the first 5 games in the 2011 season.

Here's what the school released on the decision:

"In that role, he will serve as interim head coach for the first five games of the Buckeyes’ 2011 season. He will also retain his role as linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator. 

“Luke Fickell is a Buckeye to the core. He has earned this promotion to assistant head coach through his hard work, dedication and performance,” said Smith. “ We have great trust and belief in Luke’s ability to work with our entire coaching staff to lead our young men through the first five games this fall. I have confidence our entire football family will work together to maintain our standard of excellence.”

Fickell is in his 10th year on the Ohio State coaching staff. He coaches the Buckeyes linebackers and is co-defensive coordinator, a role he assumed in April, 2005. In 2010, he was selected as the AFCA’s Assistant Coach of the Year for FBS schools, and was also named Linebacker Coach of the Year by Football Scoop.
“I am honored to be able to grow at a place and in a program that I know, love and respect. It is extremely humbling,” said Fickell."

I personally think this is the best possible choice for Ohio State as it stands, since Darrell Hazell is no longer with the program. Fickell is a good replacement for the first 5 games, and Buckeye fans are especially interested in seeing what his coaching style will be like. Many believe that when Tressel steps down (whenever that may be) that Luke will be the one standing there ready to take the job. I think it is difficult to make a jump from an assistant coach to head coach, and this will surely provide him the chance to show what he can do.