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UPDATE: National Signing Day got a little better for Buckeye fans as it is being reported that Greg Schiano will be staying in Columbus, and not leaving for the defensive coordinator position with the NFL’s New England Patriots.
Greg Schiano tells me he is staying at #OhioState contrary to reports from Monday that he was leaving for the Patriots. Big day for the Buckeyes. Schiano played a key part in landing top OT Nick Petit-Frere out of Tampa.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 7, 2018
UPDATE: FOX Sports’ Bruce Feldman is reporting that Greg Schiano’s move to the New England Patriots might not be as done of a deal as many presumed it to be. Whether Schiano stays at OSU or not, the rumors certainly will have an impact on this Wednesday’s National Signing Day, especially if a final decision is not made in the next 36 hours.
Saw the report that Greg Schiano is leaving #OhioState for the #Patriots DC job. Am told Schiano hasn't decided whether he's leaving OSU yet. Brian Flores may get promoted to DC in New England. Schiano could have a job on the Pats staff w/ Belichick but still hasn't decided.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) February 5, 2018
Following the New England Patriots’ loss in the Super Bowl last night to the Philadelphia Eagles, Pats’ defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is reportedly heading to Detroit to become the new Lions’ head coach, and according to Football Scoop’s Zach Barnett, Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano is likely to take Patricia’s place.
Breaking: With Matt Patricia leaving for Detroit, Greg Schiano is expected to become the New England Patriots' defensive coordinator https://t.co/Wm4mZhKgAq
— Zach Barnett (@zach_barnett) February 5, 2018
Following two seasons at Ohio State, Schiano originally accepted the head coaching position at the University of Tennessee, before that job offer was unceremoniously pulled after misguided fan outrage. Before coming to Ohio State, Schiano spent two seasons as the head coach of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also spent time on the staff of the Chicago Bears from 1996-98.
Last month, OSU head coach Urban Meyer hired Washington State defensive coordinator Alex Grinch to a still yet-to-be-announced defensive coaching position, which will now likely be at least a co-coordinator position.
Following the loss of defensive backs coach Kerry Coombs to the staff of the Tennessee Titans, should Schiano head to New England, Meyer will need to hire two new assistants.