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.

The Buckeyes and coach Ryan Day are in the process of hiring former Detroit Lions head coach and New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to take over for Knowles as defensive coordinator, The Dispatch confirmed Wednesday.

Matt Patricia became a household name with the Patriots, but his journey to Ohio State football started in New York — where he went from an engineer to a Syracuse graduate assistant.

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.

The Ohio State football program has found its new defensive coordinator in an unusual place. According to multiple reports out of Columbus, the Buckeyes are bringing in former Lions head coach Matt Patricia to run their defense.

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 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.