Scarlet Sunrise: Former Buckeyes player, coach Mike Vrabel named NFL Coach of Year

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Mike Vrabel named NFL Coach of Year

Former Ohio State stars had incredible NFL seasons. And it wasn’t just on the field with the players.

Mike Vrabel, the former Buckeyes player, defensive assistant coach and now head coach of the Tennessee Titans, was named the NFL Coach of the Year on Thursday evening during the annual NFL Awards.

Vrabel, who played for the Buckeyes from 1993-1996 and coached at Ohio State from 2011 to 2014, led the Titans to a 12-5 record, a second-straight AFC South Division title and second consecutive trip to the postseason. The Titans lost to the Bengals in the divisional round of the playoffs.

After leaving the Buckeyes program following the national title run, Vrabel quickly worked his way up the ranks at the NFL coaching level. And now the former Buckeyes star is being awarded for his coaching ability.

Top Ohio State target narrows list to seven schools

In the course of a few weeks, Malik Hartford went from a relative unknown on the recruiting trail to an All-American with offers from the games biggest programs. And now, thanks to a recently released final schools list, he’s moving toward a big decision in the near future.

Hartford is down to seven schools: Cincinnati, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, Notre Dame, Ohio State and West Virginia.

For Ohio State, the pursuit of Malik Hartford began to ramp up weeks ahead of his scholarship offer. When new safeties coach Perry Eliano arrived from Cincinnati, he had an already established relationship with Hartford. That’s carried over for the Buckeyes. Eliano’s personable recruiting style has been important as the rest of the Ohio State coaching staff gets to know the young defensive back.

The next few months will be pivotal for Hartford as he looks for the right fit. It’s not about emotion or favorite schools or anything but the right fit for his future.

READ: Ohio State one of seven finalists for in-state safety Malik Hartford

Pair of Buckeyes are game-time decision for Michigan matchup

Ohio State has a chance to get back to full strength for one of the biggest games of the season.

Meechie Johnson and Eugene Brown will both be game-time decisions for the Buckeyes rivalry clash at Michigan on Saturday evening. Ohio State coach Chris Holtmann confirmed that on Friday during a preview press conference.

Johnson suffered the injury in the last-minute loss at Rutgers on Wednesday. The second-year guard appeared to roll his ankle midway through the second half and did not return to action. He is averaging six points per game in 17 games played this season, and he has become one of the primary ball-handlers on a team that lacks point-guard play outside of starter Jamari Wheeler.

Brown, meanwhile, has battled a foot injury that has kept him sidelined for each of the last two Ohio State games. He has become a key cog off the bench for the Buckeyes, and his reinsertion in the lineup will certainly be welcomed by Holtmann and the coaching staff.

READ: Status of two Buckeyes contributors still uncertain ahead of Michigan showdown

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