Rutgers hires Tom Herman protege Mehringer as new OC

Rutgers coach Chris Ash has named 28-year-old Houston receivers coach/recruiting coordinator Drew Mehringer the team's new offensive coordinator, the school announced in a statement Monday.

A source told FOX Sports Sunday morning of the hire. 

Mehringer is a protege of UH head coach Tom Herman. Herman and Ash, who was hired earlier this month, worked together at Ohio State. Mehringer spent the 2014 season as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at James Madison after six seasons with Herman's offense at Ohio State, Iowa State and Rice.

Mehringer will also coach the Scarlet Knight quarterbacks. 

Ash said in a statement that Mehringer is a rising star who understands how he wants the program structured.

Ash says Mehringer will take care of the players and be a good recruiter.

The Texas native began his college career as a QB at Rice but suffered a career-ending injury. He then served as a student assistant with the quarterbacks with Herman for three seasons, graduating in 2010 with a degree in political science.

Mehringer is Ash's second hire. Ash hired Vince Okruch as his special teams coordinator last week.

Houston ran a power spread this year under Herman. James Madison ran an up-tempo offense under Mehringer.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.