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

Ohio State made their final big decision when it comes to their 2025 coaching staff on Wednesday by finding a replacement for Jim Knowles. The Buckeyes landed on former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia to be their next defensive coordinator.

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.

With former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles making a lateral move to take the Penn State DC job, Ryan Day made the decision to replace him with a widely-panned coach that has Michigan fans celebrating and Ohio State fans and media lamenting the move.

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.

According to ESPN, the school is finalizing a deal with former Detroit Lions coach Matt Patricia to replace Jim Knowles after its national title-winning season. Knowles, a Pennsylvania native, left Ohio State to take the same position at Penn State and become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in college football.

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.