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.

Former New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman was excited for Matt Patricia to become the next defensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes. He posted a congratulatory message on his Instagram story after hearing the news. “Huge get for the program. Congrats Matty P,” Edelman posted.

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 in the process of hiring Matt Patricia, a longtime assistant and head coach in the NFL, as its defensive coordinator, a source told The Dispatch.

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.

Day is hiring Patricia to fill the void left by defensive coordinator Jim Knowles leaving for the same job at Penn State.

The Ohio State football team has found their new defensive coordinator as Ryan Day is hiring Matt Patricia to replace Jim Knowles. Knowles left for Penn State after the Buckeyes won the national championship. Now, the Buckeyes are bringing in a DC with a lot of NFL experience, having won three Super Bowls in his career.