Ohio State has beaten Michigan seven straight times, and now the Buckeyes have hired away two assistant coaches from the Wolverines’ staff in two days.
Linebackers coach Al Washington will join the Buckeye coaching staff, according to OSU. He’ll serve as the linebackers coach, replacing Bill Davis. Davis confirmed Tuesday he will be leaving for an opportunity in the NFL.
Washington is a Columbus native and a graduate of Bishop Watterson. He attended Boston College and later coached there. As a BC assistant, Washington was on the coaching staff with new Buckeye head coach Ryan Day.
Washington had just completed his first season at UM. Washington’s father played for Woody Hayes at Ohio State.
Al Washington is going to be a terrific addition to our coaching staff,” Day said in a news release from OSU. “I’ve known him as a player and as a coach and I know his family very well. I think his familiarity with this region as a coach and as a recruiter is going to be very impactful, as will his leadership with our linebackers unit.”
Day’s house cleaning of the defensive staff has been significant, hiring 3 new defensive coaches so far. Greg Mattison and Jeff Hafley will serve as co-coordinators for the defense. Last week Day hired former Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich as the Bucks’ new QB coach and passing game coordinator. Brian Hartline will remain the receivers coach. It appears likely Kevin Wilson, Tony Alford and Greg Studrawa will remain on staff, but OSU hasn’t made an official statement on their future.
It also remains unclear whether cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson will remain on the OSU staff.
