If you haven’t heard yet, former Ohio State defensive backs, and now former Tennessee Titans assistant Kerry Coombs is all set to make his return to Columbus. According to multiple reports, he’ll have the defensive coordinator position but also still have responsibilities with the defensive backs.
If you wondered why a guy in the prime of his NFL career would come back to the college ranks, consider the fact that a promotion and money talk. Not only will Coombs have the responsibility of calling some shots on the defense, he’ll also apparently be bringing a boatload of cash with him — at least according to a report (subscription required) from the Columbus Dispatch.
So much so, that Coombs will be the highest-paid assistant coach in Ohio State history according to sources that spoke to Bill Rabinowitz. Coombs’ salary is reported to be around $1.2 Million a year, about $100,000 more than the $1.1 Million that current co-defensive coordinator Greg Mattison makes.
The hire will no doubt make a big splash in recruiting circles, and across the coaching landscape in the Big Ten and beyond. To be the best, you have to pay the best coaches and lure them in, and it appears as though the Buckeyes have done that once again.
