Bill O’Brien saw up close how valuable Ohio State defensive line coach Mike Vrabel can be to a coaching staff. In his two years at Penn State, Penn State’s offense was roughed up pretty badly by the Buckeyes’ defensive front. As reported by Rivals.com, Vrabel will join O’Brien’s Houston Texans coaching staff, although his exact title has not been confirmed. Vrabel confirmed (via Twitter) he will be the new linebackers coach for the Texans.
Ohio State had the third best rushing defense in the Big Ten in 2013. The Buckeyes allowed just nine rushing touchdowns and recorded a Big Ten-leading 42.0 sacks, an average of 3.0 sacks per game. Vrabel’s football IQ has always been respected wherever he has been, both as a player and a coach. He should be a quality addition for the Texans, but leaves a significant hole on Urban Meyer’s staff in Columbus.
Given the resources available to the Buckeyes, Ohio State should have little problem finding suitable candidates. Replacing Vrabel will be no easy task, but Ohio State should be able to get by with a solid replacement in relatively short order.