Greg Schiano to recruits: I'm not leaving Ohio State for Patriots

Not so fast on those Greg Schiano rumors.

The latest buzz on the Ohio State defensive coordinator was that he was leaving Columbus to take the same position with the New England Patriots.

According to Schiano, that’s not happening. At least that’s what he’s telling recruits:

Ohio State cornerback Tyreke Johnson said defensive coordinator Greg Schiano has told them he’s not going anywhere despite reports connecting him to the New England Patriots.

— Andrew Lind (@AndrewMLind) February 7, 2018

Given that today is National Signing Day, that’s interesting timing, to say the least. The Buckeyes are pursuing a 4-star linebacker from New Jersey who was recruited by Schiano, as have been other potential 2018 targets who remain for the Buckeyes.

Ohio State did go out an hire Washington State’s Alex Grinch to work alongside Schiano as the co-defensive coordinator, though that didn’t guarantee Schiano’s exit.

Perhaps the Buckeyes will announce a new contract for Schiano, or maybe the Patriots will announce their next defensive coordinator this week.

Either way, Schiano is doing whatever he can to squash reports about him returning to the NFL. He also told Urban Meyer that he wasn’t leaving:

Meyer on Schiano: Said he turned down college jobs this year and NFL jobs this year. At least a dozen opportunities. he has informed me he's 100 percent staying."

— Bill Rabinowitz (@brdispatch) February 7, 2018