Thayer Evans of Sports Illustrated reported today that Ohio State Co-Defensive Coordinator and Safeties Coach Chris Ash is finalizing details to become the next head coach at Rutgers, replacing Kyle Flood. Although he quotes only an unnamed source, Evans is a well-respected college football writer and usually knows his stuff.
Ash has been Luke Fickell's co-defensive coordinator for the past two seasons, helping the Buckeyes tighten up its defense and capture a national championship by containing three consecutive Heisman Trophy finalists last season. Ash, considered one of college football's best assistant coaches, helped Ohio State finish the regular season ranked second in the nation in scoring defense, at 14.