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.

Mike Stoops Offered Ohio State Defensive Coordinator Position

Like I had predicted earlier in my coaching staff post, Mike Stoops rumors have been flying around, but here's some solid evidence that Stoops might be on his way back to the Buckeye state.

"Mike Stoops has been offered the co-defensive coordinator position at Ohio State by Urban Meyer. Stoops spent yesterday in Columbus and is currently considering the position."

The assumption is Meyer will want to make the move sooner rather than later. I think it's wise for Urban to hire the man. He has Ohio ties, and put Arizona on the map.

The report did not indicate whether Stoops will accept the job, and says that he's been offered opportunities to become a head coach at a few other undisclosed schools as well.

Then there's the option of Stoops returning to Oklahoma to coach alongside current Oklahoma defensive coordinator Brent Venables and under his brother, Bob Stoops.

Mike Stoops spent five seasons at Oklahoma before moving on to take the head coaching position at Arizona in 2004. He spent eight seasons at Arizona, appearing in three bowl games, before being fired this season after getting off to a 1-5 start.

Who's Joining Urban In Columbus?

Forming an All-Star staff?

"I'm going to try to assemble the best coaching staff in college football.  Our goal is to compete and win Big Ten championships."
 - Urban Meyer, November 28th, 2011

Even before Monday came and Urban Meyer confirmed to the college football world that he was coming back to coach Ohio State, there was a lot of speculation as to who would be coming with Meyer on the new Buckeye staff, once he was officially hired.

Now, with the hire becoming official, Urban has a lot of work to do ahead. This includes trying to actually put together an All-Star staff, recruiting in-state talent, and trying to nab some big recruiting names before National Signing day in February. 

“I was very fortunate in 2005 – I know this is a little biased – I think we put together the best group of assistant coaches maybe in college football history. I know that’s a profound statement, but the job those guys did, the recruits they brought in and the run that that team went on – with the players we brought in and the style of offense, defense and kicking game – my goal is to find that kind of group of coaches again.”

When Coach Meyer (it's going to be fun calling him that from here on out) mentions his 2005 staff, he is referring to his first year as the head coach of the Florida Gators. That staff is still regarded as arguably one of the best staffs in college football in this modern age. The question is now standing: Who will join Urban Meyer in Columbus? Let's take a look at how I think the main coordinating staff will look.