COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio state football team will remain intact after the linebacker coach, Al Washington, declined Tennessee’s offer to become the defensive coordinator.
As first reported by Vols247 and confirmed to cleveland.com by an OSU source, Washington rejected what was believed to be a lucrative offer to join Josh Heupel’s new team of volunteers.
The state of Ohio has yet to announce the financial boost and possible title change needed to convince Washington, a Columbus native, to stay. Washington was scheduled to earn a base salary of $ 515,000 in 2021 under the terms of the updated contract he signed after the 2019 season. Tennessee was offering more than double that salary.
In addition to money, Tennessee could offer Washington something the state of Ohio couldn’t – complete coordinator duties. However, Washington would also have left one of college football’s most successful and stable programs to join hard work during a decade of erratic performance and recently tainted by scandal.
Washington, 36, is considered a growing perspective on coaching. He should, in the near future, receive better offers than the one offered by Tennessee. For now, however, Ohio State maintains one of its most respected and dynamic coaches on the team at a crucial time for the linebacker’s office.
Washington was the only lineback coach on the OSU team following the retirement of defense co-coordinator Greg Mattison. Day promoted Matt Barnes to secondary coach (from special teams coordinator and assistant secondary coach) and promoted Parker Fleming to special team coordinator (from quality control coach to special teams).
While this protected the continuity and promotion from within the ideals that Day values, it also left the Buckeyes with less of a true defensive coach. Fleming had previous experience as a college assistant before his role in QC, but was offensive.
Tuf Borland, Baron Browning and Pete Werner, and the valuable reserve Justin Hilliard, all benefited from Washington’s tutelage. Everyone completed their careers last season.
The linebacker’s office turns to a class of rising veterans who awaited their turn. Dallas Gant, Teradja Mitchell and K’Vaughn Pope will compete with redshirt freshman Kourt Williams, sophomores Craig Young and Kody Simon and others in a completely revamped starting body.
However, Washington’s impact has also extended to the future. Ohio has three linebacker commits ranked in the top 55 in the 2022 class. This includes Dasan McCullough, whose father, Deland, is returning to Indiana as an associate head coach and running back trainer.
Keeping Washington helps the state of Ohio win in 2021, but the ramifications of Tuesday’s decision can be felt for years.
Obtain the Ohio State Sugar Bowl champions and CFP equipment: Check out the shirts, hats and more merchandise that celebrate Ohio State’s Sugar Bowl victory over Clemson, as well as the Buckeyes gear that advance into the College Football Playoff national championship game.
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