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 hiring former Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the agreement had not been announced.

The Ohio State Buckeyes have their new defensive coordinator. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that the reigning national champions were finalizing a deal to make former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia their new defensive play-caller.