Meet Urban Meyer's Offensive Coaching Staff for 2012 Ohio State Football

Urban Meyer's search is now complete and his entire coaching staff is now full. The rumor mill ran rapid throughout the process, with names like Mike Stoops and Greg Studrawa being associated with Meyer's staff but for the most part, his choices weren't headliners.

However, that's not to say that this isn't a solid staff. It is chock-full of young, talented and passionate coaches. With the offensive coaching staff now complete, let's get to know each member of it.

Tom Herman: Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach

The unpredictable and exciting offense that Tom Herman likes to run will be a sight for sore eyes in Columbus. After years of painfully watching Jim Bollman's pathetically uncreative offensive scheme, Buckeye Nation is finally free from it. Herman specializes in the spread offense and will fit in well with Meyer's philosophies.

Herman was born in Cincinnati, Ohio but grew up in Simi Valley, California. Most recently, Herman served as the offensive coordinator at Iowa State and before that he held the same position at Rice. While at Rice, Herman's offense averaged an incredible 41.6 points per game.

The young coach will also be replacing Nick Silianco as the quarterbacks coach. Herman has an excellent track record of developing young quarterbacks and will definitely improve Braxton Miller as a passer and decision-maker.

Keep in mind that Meyer plans to be heavily involved in the offensive play-calling, so Herman certainly won't be working alone.

Ed Warriner: Co-Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach

Ed Warriner is a 28-year coaching veteran with tons of experience in the spread offense. Since 2009, Warriner served as the offensive line coach and running game coordinator at Notre Dame, where he did an excellent job turning around a dismal offensive line. At OSU, Warriner will hold the same responsibilities.

Warriner hails from Strasburg, Ohio and attended Mount Union College. At Mount Union, he played football and baseball and managed to letter in both sports.

The long-time coach also served as the offensive coordinator at Kansas for three seasons including the year the Jayhawks won the Orange Bowl.

Warriner was also instrumental in the recruitment of 4-star offensive tackle, Taylor Decker, and may be able to sway the Notre Dame commit to follow him to Columbus. 

Stan Drayton: Running Backs Coach

Stan Drayton is the only offensive coach from the previous staff that Meyer will retain. However, Drayton is extremely familiar with Meyer, having worked under him at Florida.

Drayton is yet another Ohio native on Meyer's staff and an extremely fierce recruiter. Last year, Drayton served as the Buckeye's wide receivers coach but his area of expertise is at the running back position.

At Florida, Drayton was the running backs coach each year he was there, as well as the recruiting coordinator in 2010. The 40-year-old coach has also served as an assistant at Villanova, Bowling Green, Tennessee and the Green Bay Packers.

Most famously, Drayton coached Brian Westbrook at Villanova, but the Cleveland native has much more on his resume than this. This is an excellent retainment by Urban Meyer who clearly respects Drayton's abilities as an assistant.

Zach Smith: Wide Receivers Coach

Zach Smith will be replacing Drayton as the wide receivers coach while Drayton slides over to coach the running backs. With mostly young and inexperienced receivers returning next year, Smith will certainly have his work cut out for him.

With this hiring, Smith will be returning to his hometown of Columbus, Ohio. Along with growing up in Columbus, Smith's grandfather is the one and only Earle Bruce, former head coach at Ohio State, so Smith is extremely familiar with the program.

Meyer is very familiar with Smith, who served as a graduate assistant under Meyer at Florida for five years. Most recently, Smith coached the wide receivers and special teams at Temple. 

Smith knows Meyer's offensive system like the back of his hand and is a great fit for the new head coach's staff.

Tim Hinton: Tight Ends and Fullbacks Coach

Tim Hinton is the second Notre Dame assistant Meyer has stolen, and is a great steal at that. In the past, Hinton has normally served as a running backs coach, but will coach the tight ends at OSU.

Unsurprisingly, Hinton is another Ohio native which will be key in recruiting. The 30-year-coach is an excellent recruiter, who actually recruited 4-star offensive tackle, Taylor Decker, to Notre Dame before leaving for Ohio State. It isn't irrational to think Decker may sway in his commitment and follow Hinton to Columbus. 

Hinton's first coaching job was a graduate assistant position at Ohio State. Along with Notre Dame, Hinton has also served as an assistant at Cincinnati, Wilmington and a few Ohio high schools.

The Ohio native will be a major component in the recruiting game and his ties in the Ohio high school community could pay dividends for the Buckeyes.