According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the reigning national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, are finalizing a deal to make Patricia their new defensive coordinator. The move comes in the wake of former assistant Jim Knowles leaving the program to coach defense for Penn State.

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.

Former Philadelphia Eagles assistant coach Matt Patricia nearing deal to become Ohio State defensive coordinator