Greg Schiano is Reportedly OUT at Ohio State, Buckeyes Poach a Michigan Man as His Replacement
Ryan Day’s first coaching staff should be finalized soon, but there are several moving parts still in play as things are finalized. One big domino has fallen as BuckeyeGrove.com has learned that defensive coordinator Greg Schiano will not return to the program for the 2019 season.
Schiano has been the defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes for the past three seasons, joining the program in 2016 when former defensive coordinator Chris Ash left Columbus to take the head coaching position at Rutgers. Schiano spent a year working with now Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell in 2016 and spent the following two seasons primarily in charge of the defense, though he shared a co-coordinator title with Alex Grinch.
Day has yet to announce a replacement for the departed Grinch and with Schiano not returning, will be making at least two new hires on the defensive staff. Sources, however, believe that as many as four new defensive coaches could be brought into the program before the dust settles.
Multiple sources also believe that current Michigan defensive line coach Greg Mattison has emerged as a candidate to join Day’s staff in Columbus. The Buckeyes have also been pursuing Michigan linebackers coach Al Washington. According to sources, Mattison is being targeted for a defensive coordinator role while Washington’s potential title unknown.
The changes keep rolling in for the Buckeyes. Urban Meyer? Goodbye! Justin Fields? Welcome aboard! And now, to address our defense that couldn’t stop a nosebleed for our 12-1 Rose Bowl Championship team, it appears that both of our Co-Defensive Coordinators will not be returning. One by his choice, and one by our choice. The first domino to fall was when Alex Grinch decided to head to the defensive-minded Big 12 Conference to sure up that stellar Oklahoma defense.
Good luck, Mr. Grinch! The grass isn’t always greener. In fact, it’s probably more brown in Oklahoma when you think of the lack of rain. But I do see why he’s leaving. He was brought on last year when our current Defensive Coordinator, former Rutgers and Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano, seemed to be signed and sealed to become the next head coach at the University of Tennessee. When that fell through for his involvement or non-involvement in the Penn State scandal, Schiano came back to Ohio State to co-lead the defense with Grinch. Two isn’t always better than one, and Grinch wasn’t the man in control like he signed on for. So I get why Grinch is gone, but it seemed pretty obvious that his depature meant Schiano would stay. Apparently, that is NOT the case.
Ryan Day making a statement!! Cleaning house on the defensive side (except Larry Johnson, that dude’s sweet). And I think we’re going to keep putting up 52 a game, but it appears the new game plan is to NOT give up 51 a game, too.
I will say that it’s at least a little intriguing that we’re getting rid of an assistant coach that will become a candidate for any major head coaching job that opens up, but I can’t say I disagree with the move. Our defense was terrible! The fact that we went 12-1 this year with that defense is extremely impressive. We made Purdue and Maryland look like the greatest show on turf.
So farewell Mr. Schiano! Thank you for your time here. I’m not sure the statistics will make us look back too fondly on you. The longer you were here, the more points we gave up. A mere 14.2 points per game in your first year, 19.9 points per game in your second year, and then 25.5 points and 403 yards per game in your third year. Sounds like the Bears kicking situation: not good! But anyways, now the search begins to find a replacement. Okay, search over. Looks like we found our guy.
Poaching from the rival. I like it! Except we’re poaching from a shitty rival. Not sure I like that. I know everyone said that Michigan was the best defense in the entire country this year, but for some reason, I have my doubts!
Whatever, if they want him, I’m glad we have him. Big brother mentality. Welcome aboard, Coach. You better get used to winning in that game though. Might be a change from what you’re accustomed to.