Greg Schiano missed out on a reunion with Rutgers.

Though Rutgers fans voiced their desires to bring back their former coach, who was in Piscataway for 10 years, the job went to Ohio State defensive coordinator Chris Ash.

Well, it’s funny how things work out.

Schiano is set to fill Chris Ash’s role as Ohio State’s new associate head coach/defensive coordinator. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the news and the Buckeyes made an official announcement on Friday afternoon.

Pending a background check and approval of the board of regents, Schiano will take over the vacant position.

“Greg Schiano is an excellent coach,” Urban Meyer said through a team spokesman. “He is someone I have known for quite some time now and someone who is going to align with our staff extremely well. I think he will be outstanding as a coach and mentor in our program and I am pleased to have him on our staff.”

Schiano was already getting to work on Friday.

https://twitter.com/RDonnellyBG/status/675406071809355778

The Buckeyes said that Schiano will work alongside co-defensive coordinator Luke Fickell.

Schiano, 49, hasn’t coached since he was fired from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers two years ago. He had just a two-year stay in Tampa Bay, but he did lead a defense that finished in the top three against the run.

He had been a candidate to fill the openings at Miami (FL) and South Carolina, but was passed over for former SEC head coaches.

He’ll take over an Ohio State defense that finished in the top 10 in total yards allowed in 2015. The Buckeyes will lose the likes of Joey Bosa, Adolphus Washington and Joshua Perry, but will still boast one of the conference’s most talented units.

Ash was still set to coach the Buckeyes in the Fiesta Bowl. Whether he or Schiano coaches against Notre Dame remains to be seen.