It looks as though the Tennessee Titans might lose cornerbacks coach Kerry Coombs to Ohio State after the season.
The Ohio State Buckeyes are in the market for a new co-defensive coordinator, and it looks as though Tennessee Titans cornerbacks coach Kerry Coombs might be the man for the job.
Last month, it was being reported that Coombs, who served as Ohio State’s cornerbacks coach from 2012 to 2017 before joining the Titans in the same role, was a top target of the Buckeyes for their vacant co-defensive coordinator position.
Now, Rob Oller of The Columbus Dispatch is reporting that Ohio State recruits are “being assured” that Coombs will take the job once the Titans’ season ends.
"Sources anticipate Day soon will add another NFL coach to his staff by hiring secondary coach Kerry Coombs away from the Tennessee Titans to co-coordinate the defense. One source suggested recruits are being assured, but not guaranteed, that Coombs is coming to Columbus."
Per the report, the process of hiring Coombs was delayed with the Titans making an unexpected run in the NFL playoffs that has seen them beat the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens in back-to-back weeks.
Ohio State became in need of a co-defensive coordinator when Jeff Hafley took the head coach position with Boston College, leaving them with one defensive coordinator in Greg Mattison.
Before overseeing one of the most talented secondaries in the NFL in Tennessee, Coombs recruited and developed first-round talents like cornerbacks Denzel Ward, Marshon Lattimore, Eli Apple and Gareon Conley, as well as safety Malik Hooker while at Ohio State.
As it stands now, it appears unlikely the Titans will be able to keep Coombs in Nashville. One way that could presumably happen is if Tennessee offers Coombs the defensive coordinator position should current defensive coordinator, Dean Pees, retire at season’s end.
There is no indication that will happen, but Pees has retired before, so it isn’t out of the question.