Ohio State hired NFL coach Matt Patricia as its new defensive coordinator following reports that the two sides were nearing a deal, the university announced Thursday as part of multiple staff changes.

Pete Thamel reports Ohio State is finalizing a deal to hire former Eagles senior defensive assistant Matt Patricia as their new defensive coordinator. Last month, it was reported Patricia planned to explore opportunities with other teams.

In the weeks immediately after defeating Notre Dame and winning the 2024 College Football Playoff championship, Ohio State underwent significant, sweeping changes to its coaching staff, with Chip Kelly leaving to be the Las Vegas Raiders offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator Jim Knowles taking the same role at Penn State,

Ohio State is finalizing a deal to hire former NFL coach Matt Patricia as its new defensive coordinator, ESPN reports. The Buckeyes had been searching for a replacement after Jim Knowles departed for the same role at Penn State. CBS Sports'/247Sports' Matt Zenitz reported Wednesday that Ohio State had hosted Patricia for a meeting previously.

Ohio State is still searching for a replacement for Jim Knowles as the team’s next defensive coordinator, and now a former NFL assistant and head coach could be

Former Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is back in football, set to take over as the defensive coordinator of the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Matt Patricia is expected to be named Ohio State football defensive coordinator. Patricia was head coach of the Detroit Lions in 2018-20.