Turned down a multi-million dollar offer at Tennessee for an $85,000 raise at OSU. That's gotta make the orange faithful warm and fuzzy lolol
Just sayin':
1) Maybe he realized that Tennessee just wasn't a "good fit" with a looming NCAA investigation:
UT INVESTIGATION: Internal probe continues for Tennessee Football
Tennessee Director of Athletics Danny White has marked his first 100 days in that new role. The process of moving UT Athletics forward has included the hiring of new personnel, both on the field and in the front office.
It has also included helping guide the University through a dark time for the football program, one that includes an internal investigation into alleged wrongdoing and what is sure to be a subsequent NCAA probe.
Entire article:
https://www.wvlt.tv/2021/04/28/ut-investigation-internal-probe-continues-for-tennessee-football/
2) Then again, (in addition to knowing that his family can live very comfortably with $600K a year) maybe after moving 4 times during the span of 4 years (2016: BC, 2017: Cincinnati, 2018: scUM, and 2019: Ohio State) Washington and his family would like to stay "home" for a few years to be close to relatives/friends and not make their 2 kids change schools again, etc.
The Football Fever: A father's pride, Al Washington on newest Buckeye assistant
Columbus, Ohio native Al Washington, who played on and coached on Boston College teams that included Ryan Day on staff and who has significant ties to the Buckeye football program, was named the new linebackers coach at Ohio State University.
Washington grew up in and around Ohio Stadium and attended Bishop Watterson High School, graduating in 2002. His father, Al Washington Sr., played linebacker for the Buckeyes from 1977 through 1980 and currently ranks eighth in career tackles with 345.
"I just wanted him to be the best he could be," the eldest Washington told ABC-6. "We never dreamed of anything like this but he earned it. He coached in division three, division two and one double-a." Washington made trips to the state up north but said "it was just too much blue."
Entire article:
https://abc6onyourside.com/sports/t...ide-al-washington-on-newest-buckeye-assistant
3) Regardless, he's an "up and coming" young assistant coach, he'll undoubtedly get more (and better) offers especially if Ohio State's linebacker play this season exceeds expectations, etc.