Greg Schiano will not return as Ohio State's defensive coordinator, and Michigan defensive line coach Greg Mattison joins the Buckeye coaching staff as a co-defensive coordinator, the school announced on Monday.
Schiano served as one of Ohio State's defensive coordinators for the past three seasons. His departure was first reported by Marc Givler of Buckeye Grove.
New Ohio State head coach Ryan Day confirmed Monday evening via Twitter that Schiano will not return to the coaching staff in 2019 and that Schiano plans to pursue opportunities in the NFL.
— Ryan Day (@ryandaytime) January 7, 2019
In his first two seasons in Columbus, Schiano helped lead Ohio State to consecutive top-10 defenses, but the Buckeyes finished this season ranked just 72 in total defense, giving up over 400 yards per game.
Mattison, who served as the Wolverines' defensive line coach since Jim Harbaugh's arrival at Michigan and was previously Michigan's defensive coordinator under Brady Hoke from 2011 to 2014, will be one of two co-defensive coordinators for the Buckeyes, along with Jeff Hafley.
“I love the idea of having two coordinators on defense,” new Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said in a statement after hiring Mattison and Hafley. “I like having a diversity of opinion, but even more I like the expertise and experience that Jeff has in the secondary coupled with the expertise that Greg brings to the front seven.
“Greg is a terrific coach,” Day added. “His experience as a coordinator and his knowledge of the Big Ten is extremely important to me.”
During his time as Michigan's defensive coordinator, the Wolverines were never worse than 31st in total defense, peaking at No. 6 in the country in 2014. Since then, he's coached Michigan's defensive line.
Though Urban Meyer is no longer Ohio State's head coach, Mattison does have a connection with Meyer, serving as his Florida's co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach from 2005 to 2007, helping coach a national championship team.
As of now, the Buckeyes have three confirmed defensive assistant coaches for the 2019 season: Mattison, Hafley and defensive line coach Larry Johnson, who added the title of associate head coach on Monday.
The Buckeyes will likely make at least two more defensive hires this offseason. Alex Grinch, Ohio State's co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach last season, left to become Oklahoma's defensive coordinator, while linebackers coach Bill Davis is also not expected to return to Ohio State, according to Dave Biddle of Bucknuts. Cornerbacks coach Taver Johnson's status with the Buckeyes remains uncertain.
Eleven Warriors will have more on Mattison's hiring.
