Ohio announced Wednesday the hiring of one coach and the expanded role of another to make up for the loss of a departed assistant.
The Bobcats hired Ron Collins as the team’s linebackers coach. Collins will replace Ross Els, who was hired by Nebraska last month.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Ron to Athens as his experience and background at top-notch programs is unquestioned,” head coach Frank Solich said in a statement released by the team. “He is a great fit for our program and student-athletes and we feel that he will be an important asset to our coaching staff.”
Collins was Colorado’s defensive coordinator for five seasons and served as defensive coordinator at Boise State for four years prior to that.
“I am excited to be working with coach Solich and the rest of the staff here at Ohio University,” Collins said in the team’s statement. “I look forward to being a part of the Bobcat program and the Athens community.”
Els, Ohio’s former linebackers and special teams coach, was hired by Nebraska on Feb. 16 to be linebackers coach. Ohio defensive line coach Pete Germano will take over as the Bobcats’ special teams coach.
Collins’ salary could not be obtained in time for publication. Els made $81,547 per year for the Bobcats.
Ohio was able to hire Collins despite the university’s hiring freeze because of a waiver approved by President Roderick McDavis, said Jason Corriher, assistant athletics director for Media Relations.
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