In 1994, new Detroit Lions coach Jim Caldwell was in his second season as the head coach of Wake Forest and he was on the recruiting trail looking for a center.
His target, Fayetteville (Ark.) All-State offensive lineman Jeremiah Washburn.
Yep, that Jeremiah Washburn.
"At the center position, you have to be smart, you have to be a guy that has a good understanding what's going on offensively, you have to have leadership qualities, you have to be able to be a quick thinker, you have to be able to handle so many different things," Caldwell said. "I was looking for that kind of guy."
Caldwell and assistant coach Jamie Barresi made a strong push. Washburn says his mother loved Caldwell. The coach loved her cooking. But at the end of the day, Washburn opted to stay closer to home, committing to play for the University of Arkansas.
It probably didn't hurt that Washburn's father, current Detroit Lions defensive line coach Jim Washburn, was serving in the same role with the Razorbacks in 1994.
Jeremiah Washburn didn't see the field much at Arkansas. He redshirted in 1995, was a backup center and guard the next three seasons, and started a handful of games at guard as a senior in 1999.
But following his playing days, the school helped launch Washburn's coaching career.
After one year in Carolina, and six with the Baltimore Ravens working in player personnel and as a scout, Washburn made him way to Detroit as an assistant offensive line coach.
Washburn was promoted to head the position group last season and the unit flourished under his guidance. When the Lions hired Caldwell to replace Jim Schwartz, the new coach made the easy decision to retain Washburn on the coaching staff.
"He's developed into a guy that has a great sense of personnel," Caldwell said. "He has a great sense of scheme. He also has a great knack for getting along with people. He relates to them well, but not only that, he can challenge them to get better."
Washburn says he was crushed having to tell Caldwell he wasn't coming to Wake Forest. Two decades later, the pair will finally get a chance to work together.
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