Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano speaks to the media on Dec. 27 prior to the 2017 Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas. Credit: Jack Westerheide | Photo Editor
Ohio State raked in its best statistical recruiting class under head coach Urban Meyer with two more commitments on National Signing Day, but that wasn’t the biggest news for the Buckeyes when looking at the 2018 season.
After rumors circulating that defensive coordinator and safeties coach Greg Schiano was expected to take the vacant New England Patriots defensive coordinator position, Schiano apparently spoke with Sports Illustrated’s Bruce Feldman to set the record straight that he was remaining at Ohio State next season.
Greg Schiano tells me he is staying at #OhioState contrary to reports from Monday that he was leaving for the Patriots. Big day for the Buckeyes. Schiano played a key part in landing top OT Nick Petit-Frere out of Tampa.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 7, 2018
It’s been a turbulent offseason for the Ohio State coaching staff with reports that quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator Ryan Day would leave to become the Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator — he eventually was promoted to offensive coordinator to stay with the Buckeyes — and cornerbacks coach Kerry Coombs signing on to become the Titans cornerbacks coach.
Coombs was one of Ohio State’s most integral recruiters and position coaches, having produced four first-round picks from his position group in the last four drafts, so losing Schiano would’ve been another blow to the defensive outlook of Ohio State, as well as its recruiting prowess.
Schiano said he does have aspirations of becoming a head coach, but that doesn't have to happen. Adds he loves what he's doing right now.
— Edward Sutelan (@EdwardSutelan) February 7, 2018
