According to a report from Dan Wolken of USA Today, the University of Tennessee’s search for a new head coach to replace the fired Butch Jones has set its focus on Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano.
Schiano is finishing up his second season with the Buckeyes and turned down two head coaching positions after last season.
Schiano rebuilt the Rutgers football program while he was there from 2001-2011, before leaving for the NFL and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His stint with Tampa Bay only lasted for two seasons.
As a defensive coordinator at Ohio State the last two seasons, the Buckeyes have consistently had one of the Big Ten best defenses. In 2017, they have allowed just 90.6 yards rushing in conference games. In 2016, Ohio State had the No. 3 scoring defense in the nation, allowing 15.5 points per game.
Urban Meyer generally asks for at least two years from his assistant coaches before leaving for head coaching positions, though Schiano has never acknowledged having that agreement himself. With his second season now almost completely under his belt, however, any obligations — perceived or otherwise — have now been met.
The season is far from over for the Buckeyes, so Schiano will have more things on his mind than where his next job may be.
Ohio State will meet undefeated Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game this Saturday in Indianapolis, and then after that there will still be another postseason game, or possibly two.
Meyer has never been one to discourage his assistants from seeking head coaching jobs, and he has known that he wouldn’t have Schiano with him for long.
Schiano has not spoken about any coaching positions this year, but may speak with the media this week in the lead up to the Big Ten Championship Game. Do not expect him to speculate on any potential job searches, however.