North Carolina interim coach Everett Withers says he is heading to Ohio State to become Urban Meyer's co-defensive coordinator (with Luke Fickell) and assistant head coach.
Withers has 24 years of coaching experience and led the Tar Heels to a 7-5 mark this past season.
There have been reports and speculation about the move for days.
Withers had even acknowledged the possibility before he confirmed it while speaking to reporters Wednesday.
"We've [Urban Meyer] known each other for a couple years. A few years ago, we talked when the Florida defensive coaching job was open. We have a little bit of a past, and I'm looking forward to the future with Coach Meyer."
Withers will coach the Tar Heels through their Independence Bowl against Missouri on Dec. 26.
Linebackers coach Mike Vrabel is staying put in that position. Vrabel played 14 years in the NFL and was a Buckeye in his college playing days. He joined Luke Fickell's staff last year. That means Meyer has now hired six assistant coaches.
While Urban Meyer keeps adding to his coaching staff for next year, this year's Buckeyes continue to prep for Florida. Those two teams meet January 2 in the Gator Bowl.
It has been a very similar road for both of these teams. Each finished the year 6-6, and each is coming off a loss to end the regular season.
"Our mindset is going out here and trying to get a win for our team, these seniors, and all of Buckeye Nation and show them we are not going to give up," said OSU running back and former Harding standout Dan "Boom" Herron.
"It's a growing process for all of us," stated quarterback Braxton Miller. "Coming off a loss, we want to end it with a win for our seniors and just work hard and get the 'W'."
