Al Washington not returning to Ohio State

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is reshaping his defensive staff, and it’s coming at a rather dizzying pace. Gone already are Matt Barnes and Kerry Coombs, and you can also add linebackers coach Al Washington to the mix according to multiple reports. The move comes as a result of the hiring of defensive coordinator Jim Knowles who will also be responsible for coaching the linebackers.

Washington, a Columbus native, was lured away from the Michigan program in 2019, where he coached in 2018. Before that, he spent time at Boston College as an assistant from 2012-2016. He enjoyed three seasons as the linebackers coach on the banks of the Olentangy where he helped develop three linebackers that were taken in the NFL Draft (Baron Browning, Malik Harrison, and Pete Werner).

Ohio State Buckeyes linebackers coach Al Washington reacts after the defense gave up a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NCAA Division I football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Washington has been instrumental on the recruiting trail, helping land several key defensive players in Columbus and was — and likely still is — known as a young, rising start in the coaching profession. It is unclear yet what his next move will be, but don’t be surprised if you hear his name emerge again at an elevated level in the college coaching ranks.

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