Ohio State has found their replacement for former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, and it figures to annoy Buckeye faithful considerably. According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, former Lions head coach Matt Patricia is taking over for Knowles,

According to multiple reports, the longtime Patriots assistant is headed to the college ranks to become Ohio State’s next defensive coordinator. Bill Belichick’s longtime lieutenant, Patricia won three Super Bowls with the Patriots and was the team’s defensive coordinator from 2012-2017.

Ohio State hosted former NFL coach Matt Patricia in Columbus for a meeting about the Buckeyes' defensive coordinator vacancy, according to CBS Sports'/247Sports' Matt Zenitz. Ohio State is searching for a new defensive coordinator after former playcaller Jim Knowles left to serve in the same capacity at Penn State.

Matt Patricia interviewed to become Ohio State's defensive coordinator, Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports reports. Patricia met with Ryan Day and others within the program on Monday. The national champions promoted assistants Brian Hartline and Keenan Bailey to co-offensive coordinators after the departure of Chip Kelly for the Raiders.

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