Ohio State assistant DC Kerry Coombs is leaving for a position with the Tennessee Titans, per report

Ever since Buckeye great Mike Vrabel was hired as the new head coach for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, it was expected that he would take either a current or former Ohio State coach with him; whether it was current offensive coordinator Ryan Day, or former OC Ed Warinner. However, today, Yahoo’s Pete Thamel is reporting that Vrabel will be bringing along an unexpected member of the OSU staff.

Coombs is the excitable, silver-haired assistant defensive coordinator who handles the Buckeyes’ defensive backs and special teams. With his strong ties to Ohio and the midwest, Coombs has proven to be an invaluable recruiter for Urban Meyer during his time in Columbus. A lifelong Ohioan, during his 35 year career, Coombs had successful stints as the head coach at Colerain High School near Cincinnati for 16 years, as well as in the collegiate ranks at Notre Dame and Cincinnati, amongst other schools.

With Alex Grinch coming on board earlier this month, there will now be one vacant coaching position for Meyer to fill. During his time with the Buckeyes, Coombs has been instrumental in creating one of the greatest defensive dynasties in Ohio State history, as his secondary units have routinely turned out All-Americans and NFL first round draft picks.

If the reports prove to be true, this would be a big loss for the Buckeyes, but an exciting opportunity for Coombs.