It was one of the lingering questions on a day when news surfaced that former Rutgers coach Greg Schiano was headed to Ohio State to serve as co-defensive coordinator/associate head coach: Would new Rutgers head coach Chris Ash still coach for the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl? The answer, according to Rutgers football spokesman Hasim Phillips, is nothing has changed. Yes, Ash still plans to serve as co-defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes in their New Year’s Day matchup with Notre Dame. Even though Schiano was pictured Friday wearing an Ohio State pullover and talking with a 2016 recruit, the former Scarlet Knights coach isn’t expected to begin his new post in time for the bowl game. PLUS: The relationship between Greg Schiano and Urban Meyer That’s because his hire is pending completion of a background check and approval from the Ohio State University Board of Trustees, according to an Ohio State news release. After agreeing to terms to a five-year, $11 million deal to take over the Rutgers football program, Ash said he would remain committed to coaching Ohio State for the bowl game. It was a decision that didn’t sit well with media and fans alike, but Ash said he “wouldn’t do it any other way.” “I can’t say enough about what (Ohio State) Coach (Urban) Meyer has done for me. Those players there have been unbelievable, and I would not feel right if I didn’t help them finish the job that I started,” Ash said during his introductory press conference Monday. “I would ask the same of any assistant coach that would be in my program that would have the same opportunity, and I’m going to go back and help those guys try to finish out the right way.” ALSO: Greg Schiano to Ohio State creates a juicy storyline for Rutgers Ash has had a busy week, assisting in bowl prep for the Buckeyes and presiding over head-coaching matters with the Scarlet Knights. In between, he’s been on the road recruiting for Rutgers. “I’ll go back and forth between Rutgers and Columbus whenever we have practice to make sure I help the team prepare,” Ash said. “In between all that I’m going to have to be hiring a staff, I’m going to have to communicate with our players and connect with our players, and call recruits nonstop.” In a news release hours after news of Schiano’s new gig surfaced, Meyer announced that Schiano would replace Ash and work alongside Luke Fickell coordinating the Ohio State defense. Schiano will also have the title of associate head coach and work with the team’s safeties. …
Continue Reading: With Greg Schiano headed to Ohio State, does new Rutgers coach Chris Ash plan to coach bowl?
