Chris Ash Reportedly Will Be Hired as Rutgers Head Coach

Rutgers is beginning to key in on a potential target to fill the football team's head coaching void after the school announced the firing of Kyle Flood on Nov. 30. The Scarlet Knights have reportedly landed Ohio State defensive coordinator Chris Ash, according to Sam Hellman; of Scout.com. Keith Sargent of NJ.com confirmed the report. 

The 41-year-old coach has held various different positions in the collegiate coaching ranks since 1997. Most recently, he's served as defensive coordinator and worked with the defensive backs during stops with Wisconsin, Arkansas and Ohio State.

He led the Buckeyes defense last year as the team captured a national championship. The unit ranked 19th in total defense during the title-winning campaign and has jumped to 10th this season.

At Rutgers, Ash will be tasked with getting the program over the hump and into the national spotlight. The Scarlet Knights have made nine bowl games over the past 11 years. They have finished ranked only once over that span, though, and went just 4-8 this season.

Ash would bring a proven defensive pedigree, and his Ohio State ties would go a long way in providing a boost to the recruiting efforts.