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Per the same Urban Meyer-connected reporter that brought us "Braxton Miller to return for his senior year" and "Ohio State finalizing a contract with former Penn State DL coach Larry Johnson Sr.", Sports Illustrated's Pete Thamel is now reporting that Ohio State will be bringing in Arkansas defensive coordinator Chris Ash as co-defensive coordinator and secondary coach.
Ash was previously the co-defensive coordinator at Wisconsin with Bret Bielema where he helped steer three Rose Bowl defenses. After the paltry secondary play Ohio State had last year, the Buckeyes will receive much needed help as Ash's secondaries at Wisconsin were usually stout. During his tenure as a Wisconsin coach, Ash's defenses finished in the top three in the Big Ten in total defense and top four in scoring defense.
With the additions of Ash and Larry Johnson, who Thamel says will be introduced alter this week, Ohio State's 2014 coaching staff should be complete. It's not immediately clear how embattled defensive coordinator Luke Fickell's responsibilities will be impacted, but as mentioned, Ash has experience collaborating on defenses.
