Rutgers is closing in on a deal that would bring in Ohio State co-defensive coordinator Chris Ash as the Scarlet Knights' new head coach, a source told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.

Sports Illustrated first reported the talks between Rutgers and Ash.

Ash has coached the Buckeyes defense since 2014. This season, No. 6 Ohio State (11-1, 7-1 Big Ten) ranks second in the nation in scoring defense (14 PPG) and 10th in total defense (303.5 YPG).

The 41-year-old Ash previously served as defensive coordinator at Arkansas and Wisconsin.

Ash would replace Kyle Flood, who was fired after a 4-8 season, as Rutgers seeks a fresh start after a season filled with off-field troubles.

Flood was suspended for three games this season for emailing a professor and later scheduling an in-person meeting to discuss the academic standing of former Scarlet Knights defensive back Nadir Barnwell.

In addition, seven Rutgers players were arrested this season on charges varying from home invasion to assault.

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