Meyer Adds Withers, Retains Vrabel to Coaching Staff

Almost 24 hours after Ohio State received news of its bowl ban, Urban Meyer took the first steps in moving forward Wednesday by hiring Everett Withers to be Ohio State’s co-defensive coordinator and assistant head coach. Withers is currently the interim head coach at North Carolina.

Withers has been in coaching for over 20 years with experience at both the collegiate level and the NFL. Most recently Withers was the defensive coordinator for a strong North Carolina defense that ranked in the top 15 of every major statistical category before taking over the head coaching position when Butch Davis was fired. He has also worked as the defensive backs coach for the Tennessee Titans (2001-06) while also coaching brief stints at the University of Texas and Louisville.

Withers was excited to join Meyer at Ohio State despite the sanctions that the university just received, “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.”

In addition to Withers, coach Meyer has also decided to retain current linebackers coach Mike Vrabel. “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."