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Former Ohio State LBs coach releases heartfelt statement following departure
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Ryan Day has made some significant changes to his coaching staff over the past week. Part of the defensive staff overhaul meant parting ways with linebackers coach Al Washington and defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs.
Over the weekend, both Coombs and Washington released statements regarding their time in Columbus. While Coombs’ note was directed toward Buckeye Nation, Washington kept his focus on the players.
“The players, the players, the players,” Washington wrote. “Thankful for all the young men I have been fortunate to be around and work with these past three years.
“Forever grateful for your time, energy, effort and most especially the example you have shown my kids. Through the good times and tough times relationships mean everything. Always consider you family.”
— Al Washington (@CoachWash56) January 16, 2022
Washington spent three years in Columbus as the linebackers coach, arriving in 2019. He helped coach and develop one of the B1G’s top linebacker corps in 2020, led by veterans Tuf Borland, Pete Werner, Justin Hilliard and Baron Browning.
Washington arrived at Ohio State via Michigan, spending one year on Jim Harbaugh’s staff in Ann Arbor. He’s also had stops at NC State, Boston College and Cincinnati at the FBS level.
Ohio State’s defense struggled mightily throughout the 2021 season, particularly in games against Oregon, Michigan, Purdue and Utah. That troubles forced Day to make some adjustments.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB