Everett Withers, previously the interim head coach at North Carolina, has been named co-defensive coordinator and assistant head coach of the Buckeyes.
"Everett is extremely well respected across the country," Meyer said. "I've known about him for a number of years and followed his progress as a college and NFL assistant coach. He will be a great fit for this staff and I think he and Luke [Fickell] are going to work well together as the co-coordinators of our defense."
Withers is pumped:
“"I am excited, and I couldn't be more excited to be on coach Urban Meyer's staff at The Ohio State University," Withers said. “"Ohio State is obviously one of the storied programs in college athletics. Having an opportunity to work at that university, and as part of Coach Meyer's staff, is something that you just can't pass up."
Mike Vrabel was also named a member of the staff and Meyer retained the linebacker coach today:
"“I had heard such great things about Mike Vrabel as a player, but the key thing for me was I wanted to talk football with him," Meyer said. “"I wanted to see him recruit, and I wanted to meet his family. I have since spent a lot of time with him, and he has a wonderful family."
"“I also spoke to a number of people I know well, who also know Mike very well, including Bill Belichick. Coach Belichick and I had a really good discussion about Mike. While Mike is young, we both agreed that the unique experiences he has had as a player, coupled with the things he has already accomplished as a coach and recruiter for Ohio State, has prepared Mike for this opportunity. I am very pleased he will be on the staff."
Meyer has now named six assistants to his Ohio State staff. In addition to Withers and Vrabel, Luke Fickell will stay on and call plays as co-defensive coordinator, Taver Johnson will handle secondary duties, Stan Drayton will coach the running backs and Tom Herman will handle the quarterbacks while also serving as the offensive coordinator.
