Ohio State Buckeyes co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Chris Ash is finalizing an agreement to become the next head coach of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, per multiple media reports.
Ash has coached Ohio State's defense over the past two seasons, including playing an integral role in the rise of last year's national championship squad. The Buckeyes are currently second in the nation in scoring defense (14.0 ppg) and 10th in the nation in total defense (303.5 ypg).
All but three of the Buckeyes' opponents were held to under 20 points during Ohio State's 11-1 regular season. The defense has been the major key for Ohio State staying relevant in the College Football Playoff chase as the offense has had its share of hiccups throughout the campaign.
Ash, 41, served as the defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks in 2013. He held the same role at Wisconsin from 2011-12, and also has assistant stints at Drake (his alma mater), Iowa State and San Diego State.
He will replace Kyle Flood who was fired after leading the Scarlet Knights to a 4-8 season in 2015 -- just the second losing season for the program in 11 years. Flood was suspended for three games during the season for improperly contacting a professor about a player's grade. He had a 27-24 record over four years in New Jersey.
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