Greg Schiano is expected to become the defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots, sources told FootballScoop on Monday. Schiano recently completed his third season as Ohio State's assistant head coach, defensive coordinator and safeties coach.
It was reported last week that Schiano would interview for the job, and sources tell us the deal expected to be completed.
The hiring cannot become official until the Patriots' defensive coordinator job becomes open, which won't happen until Matt Patricia is formally announced as the head coach of the Detroit Lions. With the NFL season meeting its end in Sunday night's Super Bowl, the Lions' announcement of Patricia could happen as early as today.
Schiano worked two seasons as the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and rose to prominence after an 11-year run as the head coach at Rutgers. He was set to become the head coach at Tennessee earlier this winter, but that deal infamously fell apart at the eleventh hour.
With Schiano's impending departure, it is expected that Ohio State names former Washington State defensive coordinator Alex Grinch to its defensive coordinator spot. Grinch was hired last month as the Buckeyes' 10th assistant in an as yet unspecified role.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.