Matt Patricia is following in Bill Belichick’s footsteps again.

The longtime Patriots assistant, who spent last season working a media gig with Belichick, reportedly is headed back to school.

Patricia is finalizing a deal to become the Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Patricia met with the reigning national champions Tuesday.

The 50-year-old returns to the gridiron after he served as a senior defensive assistant for the Eagles in 2023. He was not retained in 2024 for Philadelphia’s title-winning campaign.

Patricia previously spent 16 seasons (2004-2017, 2021-22) working under Belichick in New England. He was the Patriots defensive coordinator for six seasons before he was named the Detroit Lions head coach in 2018.

Belichick was hired as the North Carolina Tar Heels head coach in December. He brought his son, Steve Belichick, to Chapel Hill to serve as the defensive coordinator.