New Oklahoma State Defensive Coordinator

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) _ Tim Beckman left BCS runner-up Ohio State on Friday to become the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State. <br/><br/>Beckman spent the last two seasons as cornerbacks coach with

Friday, February 16th 2007, 1:55 pm

By: News On 6

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) _ Tim Beckman left BCS runner-up Ohio State on Friday to become the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State.

Beckman spent the last two seasons as cornerbacks coach with the Buckeyes, who lost to Florida 41-14 on Jan. 8 in the BCS national championship game. He replaces Vance Bedford, who took a job as Michigan's secondary coach on Thursday after two seasons leading Oklahoma State's defense.

Beckman helped turn a secondary that didn't have a returning starter into one of the best in the Big Ten. Before arriving at Ohio State, Beckman was defensive coordinator at Bowling Green for six years, including two under current Florida coach Urban Meyer. In 2001, he was a finalist for the Frank Broyles Award given to the nation's top assistant after his defense led the Mid-American Conference in total defense, scoring defense, rushing defense, turnovers gained and scoring margin.

``Coach Beckman was the best person for the position,'' Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said. ``The process took a long time because my staff and I wanted to hire the best fit for Oklahoma State. We wanted someone who could also help us continue the recruiting momentum we have established.''