Mike Vrabel Retained As Linebackers Coach

In addition to the hire of Everett Withers, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer has decided to keep Mike Vrabel on the staff as their linebackers coach. Here's what Urban had to say: 

“I had heard such great things about Mike Vrabel as a player, but the key thing for me was I wanted to talk football with him," Meyer said. “"I wanted to see him recruit, and I wanted to meet his family. I have since spent a lot of time with him, and he has a wonderful family."

“I also spoke to a number of people I know well, who also know Mike very well, including Bill Belichick. Coach Belichick and I had a really good discussion about Mike. While Mike is young, we both agreed that the unique experiences he has had as a player, coupled with the things he has already accomplished as a coach and recruiter for Ohio State, has prepared Mike for this opportunity. I am very pleased he will be on the staff."

Meyer has now named six assistants to his Ohio State staff. In addition to Withers and Vrabel, Luke Fickell will stay on and call plays as co-defensive coordinator, Taver Johnson will handle secondary duties, Stan Drayton will coach the running backs and Tom Herman will handle the quarterbacks while also serving as the offensive coordinator.

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

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. 

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.