'Much Deserved': Steele Chambers, Tommy Eichenberg Support James Laurinaitis Promotion

Former Ohio State linebackers Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg both took time during their NFL Combine media sessions to praise James Laurinaitis.

It's no secret how former Ohio State Buckeyes linebackers Steele Chambers and Tommy Eichenberg feel about James Laurinaitis.

Both of the ex-Buckeyes praised Laurinaitis and his recent promotion to linebackers coach during a media session on Wednesday at the NFL Combine. Chambers said Laurinaitis has an impressive record at the position through both college and the pros, but his presence off the field is also notable.

"Much deserved," Chambers said. "He's a great guy. He obviously was a hell of a player back in the day. But he's an even better person."

Laurinaitis shared his belief last week that his perspective from having played linebacker allowed him to better relate to the players whom he was coaching. Chambers echoed this sentiment, saying he learned a lot from Laurinaitis' experiences.

"He would really just tell us stories from his playing days," Chambers said. "He'd describe how the game of football is hard. He'd show us clips of him messing up. We'd realize if a dude like that messes up, then it's okay for me to as long as I'm making changes and making adjustments."

As for Eichenberg, the Cleveland, Ohio native said he learned a majority of what he does on the field from his time with Laurinaitis.

"There's a lot," Eichenberg said. "I think even more than what showed up on tape. But there are experiences, the plays that he's going through, how he's dealt with certain plays, certain routes, certain coverages. That was something that, before him, I really couldn't get it from anyone else, really. I mean (defensive coordinator Jim) Knowles was great. I love coach Knowles. But I think that first year was more like installing the defense. And then James came in and gave me that experience."