Following the dismissal of defensive coordinator Todd Orlando after three years at the University of Texas and a two-year stint with Tom Herman in Houston, the Longhorns are expect to name former Rutgers coach Chris Ash to run the defense. Chip Brown of Horns247 reported the story Sunday morning.
Former #Rutgers coach Chris Ash, who ran the defense while Tom Herman ran the offense on Ohio State's 2014 national title team, is expected to become Herman's new defensive coordinator at #Texas, multiple sources told Horns247.https://t.co/08QMLFZ0xq.
— Chip Brown (@ChipBrown247) December 15, 2019
Ash has familiarity with Herman much like Todd Orlando did. Ash was with Herman at Iowa State as the defensive backs coach and again with him at Ohio State in 2014 when they won the National Championship with the Buckeyes.
Ash takes over a defense that struggled down the stretch. The Longhorns defense ranked 108th nationally in yards per game surrendered. Their turnover margin (+6) was 26th nationally but given the talent on this team, it could be better and Ash can bring some new ideas to help them get to where Texas football should be.
A huge focus on this defense needs to be getting off the field on 3rd downs. This year the Longhorns allowed a first down conversion on 3rd downs at 40%, that was 74th nationally. The hiring of Chris Ash should bring optimism for a team in dire need that needs some positive news going into the offseason after a disappointing season by Longhorns standing. With Ash in the fold, Tom Herman now will be looking to make a hire on the offensive side of the ball.