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.

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.

Veteran NFL coach Matt Patricia is set to become Ohio State's new defensive coordinator, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.