Ask Farrell: Which new Big Ten assistants will make biggest impact?
Other conferences have had more assistant coach changes this offseason but the Big Ten has seen its fair share - and at the biggest programs in the conference.
Ohio State made big news when it hired Kerry Coombs back as the Buckeyes' defensive coordinator. A near-lifetime resident of the state of Ohio, Coombs brings back with him to Columbus some NFL experience, a whole lot of energy and great recruiting ability.
At Penn State, the Nittany Lions hired Kirk Ciarrocca away from Minnesota to take over for Ricky Rahne, who took the Old Dominion job. Ciarrocca is an important hire as the Nittany Lions averaged more than 35 points per outing last season but do lose some important cogs in the passing game heading into this season.
Penn State also brings in new offensive line coach Phil Trautwein, whose unit will be crucial for the rushing attack that should have a lot of weapons in the backfield.
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Nebraska is looking for a spark as the Huskers’ launch under coach Scott Frost has been a disappointment as he enters Year 3. Quarterback Adrian Martinez had just 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season and no receiver had 50 catches.
Frost brought in Matt Lubick, who has extensive experience in the Pac-12 and beyond and worked with Frost at Oregon, so he could bring in a fresh approach to an offense that has not kicked into high gear.
At Purdue, new defensive coordinator Bob Diaco has head coaching experience and that could be helpful on the recruiting trail. At Rutgers, new running backs coach Augie Hoffman has tremendous ties in North Jersey since he coached at Montvale (N.J.) St. Joseph Regional and new receivers coach Tiquan Underwood played for the Scarlet Knights.
Michigan State is bringing in new staff under first-year coach Mel Tucker, who was known as a diligent recruiter during his one season at Colorado.
Across the Big Ten, new faces on the assistant level will have a huge impact on their respective programs.
We ask Rivals National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell to name a few new assistant coaches he thinks will have the biggest impact on the recruiting trail and why he thinks they can be successful?
FARRELL'S TAKE
There have been some really good hires in the Big Ten and it starts with Coombs at Ohio State. He has developed so many great players over the years, has NFL experience and is a great recruiter. He was our National Recruiter of the Year in the past and he’s going to help assure that the Buckeyes continue to load up on talent.
I also like the hire of Trautwein at Penn State. A lot of people don’t know Trautwein but I remember him from his recruiting days and at Florida. This is an intense person who has learned from some of the best and will recruit well.
Lubick also stands out to me at Nebraska because the offense needs a shot in the arm and he’s a guy who finds and develops talent from a recruiting angle.
Finally, I’ve known Augie Hoffman for what seems like 100 years and he’s well respected and liked in New Jersey and he will help keep some key kids home.