LOOK: Ohio State assistant Kerry Coombs pens farewell letter to Buckeyes
News broke earlier in the week that Ohio State defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs will not be returning to the Buckeyes next season. Lettermen Row’s Austin Ward confirmed the news on Thursday.
As he departs Ohio State, Coombs shared a farewell message with the Buckeyes on Saturday afternoon.
“As I prepare for the next mission in my life, I want to thank Buckeye Nation for allowing my family and me to share in some truly incredible experiences, Coombs said. “I remain most grateful for the family of extraordinary young men I have been privileged to serve, as well as the men I have worked alongside.
“I will look back at the Shoe, the fans, the championships, and mostly the players with great fondness, while also looking forward with great anticipation to what God has in store for me.”
Coombs was in his second stint with Ohio State. He previously worked for the Buckeyes from 2012-2017, and he led the defense in 2017. In 2018, Coombs went to the NFL as the defensive backs coach with the Tennessee Titans. But in 2020, he returned to the Buckeyes as defensive coordinator.
According to Ward and Letterman Row, Ohio State was open to Coombs returning if he was willing to move to a role as a position coach. He was not, and will instead head elsewhere next season. Earlier in the season, Coombs was stripped of his defensive play calling duties.
Coombs is one of a few staff changes by Ohio State
Ohio State’s defense had an up and down season under Coombs, ranking in the bottom half of the Big Ten allowing 366.6 yards per game, also allowing 246.9 passing yards per game, ranking third worst in the Big Ten.
In addition to Coombs, Ohio State head coach Ryan Day has made a few changes to his coaching staff. The Buckeyes have brought in Justin Frye from UCLA, and he will serve as associate head coach and offensive line coach.
Additionally, Ohio State hired Perry Eliano as the Buckeyes’ new safeties coach. Eliano previously served as Cincinnati’s cornerbacks coach over the past two years.
Ohio State fell short of its goal of winning the Big Ten and winning a national championship this season. The Buckeyes finished just short of making the College Football Playoff. Next season, Ryan Day is hoping that the Buckeyes can return to playing in the playoff, with championship aspirations for everyone involved.
The Buckeyes will be tested right away in 2022, as a matchup at home against Notre Dame awaits in Week 1.