Bucknuts has confirmed with three sources that Washington State defensive coordinator Alex Grinch will be joining Urban Meyer's staff at Ohio State, though in what position is unclear.

While details are yet to emerge, sources seem believe Grinch -- an Ohio native who played ball at Mount Union College -- will be the Buckeyes' 10th assistant coach hire. The NCAA passed a rule in April that FBS programs would be able to hire an additional on-field assistant coach to their staff as of Jan. 9. Currently staffs are allowed nine assistant coaches that are able to coach on the field and go out recruiting.

With Washington State playing in the San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl on December 28, and Ohio State playing in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl on December 29, don't expect news to officially break until after that, with January 9, the first day the additional staff member is allowed, being a possible announcement date as well.

Grinch has been the defensive coordinator under Mike Leach for the last three seasons. While there, he has made a large impact on the program, turning around the defense, and having them improve from 103rd nationally to 28th in yards per play allowed, and from 117th to 47th in scoring.

Sources tell Bucknuts that multiple coaches have targeted Grinch for their staff, including Willie Taggart at Florida State, Chad Morris at Arkansas, and Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M, at a minimum. Grinch, though, will return home, as he is originally from Columbus suburb Grove City, and played for Mount Union during his college career. He also overlapped for some time with Ohio State co-offensive coordinator and QB coach Ryan Day, while the two were at New Hampshire.

Stay tuned for the latest developments between Grinch and Ohio State.

UPDATE FRIDAY 4:25 PM EST

A Washington State spokesperson says Grinch will speak about his future during bowl week, per Evan Closky of KREM-TV: