Report: Patriots will name Greg Schiano as their defensive coordinator

One day after their Super Bowl LIII parade, the New England Patriots have chosen to address their vacant defensive coordinator position, which became available when linebackers coach and defensive play-caller, Brian Flores, was hired as the 13th head coach in Miami Dolphins history.

The Boston Globe reports that Bill Belichick and the Patriots will officially name Greg Schiano their next defensive coordinator.

It had been rumored in recent weeks that Schiano could be a favorite to land the Patriots’ job due to the professional relationship maintained between he and Belichick. From 2001-2011, New England drafted several players from Rutgers, where Schiano coached at the time, ultimately forging a bond between himself and the franchise.

After his time at Rutgers, Schiano briefly took over as head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2012-2013), but he was unable to find success and, instead, drew wide criticism for his aggressive nature on and off the field.

He remained in the college ranks from 2016-2018 when he served as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach at Ohio State. He was supposed to be hired as Tennessee’s coach until a fan revolt caused a change of plans.

Earlier this year, it was reported Schiano would not return to the Buckeyes as he sought another opportunity in the NFL.