Braxton Miller will be back at Ohio State in 2014. (Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)
Ohio State announced Thursday night that quarterback Braxton Miller will return for his senior season in 2014.
Meanwhile, Buckeyes defensive line coach Mike Vrabel tweeted that he is leaving to become the linebackers coach with the Houston Texans on coach Bill O’Brien’s new staff.
Numerous outlets reported for the past week that Miller was leaning toward returning after the Buckeyes lost their final two games of the season to Michigan State in the Big Ten championship and to Clemson in the Orange Bowl.
“I want to help this team win a Big Ten championship next year,” Miller said in a statement. “Plus, I want to improve as a quarterback in all aspects of my game. I’m looking forward to working another year with Coach (Urban) Meyer and (offensive coordinator) Coach (Tom) Herman.”
Miller, a two-time Big Ten Most Valuable Player, has accounted for 8,346 yards of total offense and 84 touchdowns in his three seasons.
Miller finished eighth in the Big Ten in rushing this past season with 1,068 yards but was the conference’s ninth-ranked passer with 2,094 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Considered a preseason Heisman candidate in 2013, he suffered an early season knee injury that derailed his chances.
“We look forward to having Braxton Miller return to this team for his senior season,” Meyer said. “He has been an extremely valuable member of our team and he is also a fine student. His desire to lead our team to a championship, to earn his degree from The Ohio State University next spring and to continue to improve as a quarterback are his motivation.”
Vrabel joined the Ohio State staff in 2011 as linebackers coach after he retired from the NFL. Meyer retained Vrabel on his staff after he replaced Luke Fickell as head coach for the 2012 season.
“I am thankful for everyone assoc with TOSU for 3 great years and my family and I are excited to join the Houston Texans as the LB coach,” Vrabel said on Twitter.
