Michigan linebackers coach Al Washington will be accepting an assistant coaching position with Ohio State, according to Rivals.
The move comes one day after the Wolverines’ defensive line coach, Greg Mattison, was named the Buckeyes’ co-defensive coordinator, both joining Ryan Day, the Buckeyes’ new head coach. A Michigan spokesperson did not immediately return a request for comment.
Washington’s impact will likely be felt the hardest on the recruiting trail. At different points throughout the season, Harbaugh complimented Washington, lumping him in with first-year tight ends coach Sherrone Moore as staff who helped Michigan this season.
“There’s two other coaches that don’t get talked about as much that are doing a fabulous job and that’s Al Washington,” Harbaugh said on Nov. 12. “Good play out of Khaleke Hudson and Josh Uche. His contribution has been huge. Just a high-energy coach that does a great job with recruiting. The other is (tight ends coach) Sherrone Moore who has done a fabulous job with the tight ends.
“… Just really wanted to mention those two coaches in particular because you don’t hear people talking about them that much.”
Washington grew up an Ohio State fan, due to his father playing linebacker for the Buckeyes. He mentioned that he heard stories of Ohio State coach Woody Hayes and his legendary battles with Wolverines coach Bo Schembechler growing up. At one point, Washington said he wanted to play for Ohio State as a kid.
He didn’t, attending Boston College instead, and Washington’s full conversion from Buckeye fan to Michigan coach seemed to be complete. Washington was the Wolverines’ lead recruiter on players like Zach Harrison, attempting to convince them that Ann Arbor was a better home for them than Columbus.
Now, it seems that conversion was only temporary, as Washington is headed back to the place he heard about growing up.
Michigan and Ohio State will face off Nov. 30 next season.
Despite some staff turnover in Columbus, it seems there will be more familiar faces on the Buckeyes’ sideline than previously thought.