If you were wondering what name Urban Meyer would add to his coaching staff after the departure of mainstay Luke Fickell, look no further.
Per a program release, Ohio State's head coach has added veteran NFL coach Bill Davis to the team's defensive staff. Davis's role within the staff and what position group he will work with is yet to be determined and announced at the conclusion of the 2016 season.
Davis spent the 2016 season working in quality control for the Buckeyes. He and Meyer met while playing for the University of Cincinnati. The Youngstown, Ohio, native lettered each season he played for the Bearcats from 1985-88. Davis served as the best man in Meyer's wedding.
Prior to Ohio State, Davis spent three seasons as defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. He has been a defensive coordinator for three different NFL franchises, first with the San Francisco 49ers from 2005-06, then the Arizona Cardinals from 2009-10 and most recently with the Eagles. In all, Davis has worked 24 years as an NFL assistant.
Though his role is currently undefined, Davis is likely to work with Ohio State's linebackers in place of Fickell and under the watchful eye of coordinator Greg Schiano. Cornerbacks coach Kerry Coombs is also in line for a more expanded role within the defense, Meyer announced after the University of Cincinnati announced Fickell as its head coach on Dec. 10.
Fickell will remain on Meyer's staff as long as the Buckeyes are in the College Football Playoff, which begins Dec. 31 at the Fiesta Bowl against No. 2 Clemson. Should the Buckeyes defeat the Tigers, they will play either No. 1 Alabama or No. 4 Washington for the national title on Jan. 9 in Tampa.
