Greg Schiano is focused on returning to the NFL.
The Ohio State defensive coordinator is leaving the job to pursue opportunities in pro football, according to Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day.
pic.twitter.com/ltkdHpdeIa — Ryan Day (@ryandaytime) January 7, 2019
Schiano's last NFL job was head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He coached two seasons in Tampa Bay and was fired after the Bucs went 4-12 in 2013.
He reportedly was a candidate for the Patriots' defensive coordinator job when Matt Patricia left to join the Detroit Lions after Super Bowl LII. Instead of coming to New England, Schiano decided to remain at Ohio State.
He could be a candidate to come to New England before next season if defensive coordinator Brian Flores leaves for another coaching job. Flores has drawn interest as a head coach from several NFL teams.
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Schiano has never coached on the Patriots' staff, but he does have relationships with some of New England's players. He was the Rutgers head coach from 2001 to 2011, and the Patriots have three players who played for Schiano with the Scarlet Knights: Duran Harmon and twins Jason and Devin McCourty.
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