Ohio State is set to hire former NFL coach Matt Patricia as its new defensive coordinator, according to multiple reports. Patricia, who has extensive coaching experience in the NFL with the New England Patriots and Detroit Lions, will take over the Buckeyes’ defense as they look to remain competitive at the highest level of college football.
Patricia’s coaching career has been largely defined by his time with the Patriots, where he worked under head coach Bill Belichick in various roles, including as the team’s defensive coordinator from 2012 to 2017. During that period, he helped lead New England to multiple Super Bowl appearances, including victories in Super Bowls XLIX and LI. Known for his strategic approach to defense, Patricia developed a reputation for adapting schemes to his personnel and game situations.
Following his success in New England, Patricia was hired as the head coach of the Detroit Lions in 2018. However, his tenure in Detroit was less successful, as the team struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 13-29-1 record over nearly three seasons. He was dismissed in 2020 and later returned to the Patriots in an advisory role, contributing on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. Most recently, Patricia spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles as a senior defensive assistant during the 2023 season.
Ohio State’s decision to bring in Patricia signals a commitment to strengthening its defensive unit after a season in which the Buckeyes fell short of a national championship. While the team had a strong defensive performance under previous coordinator Jim Knowles, the move to Patricia suggests that head coach Ryan Day wants an even more experienced NFL mind to guide the unit.
Patricia’s transition to the college game will be closely watched, as his coaching background is almost exclusively at the professional level. His ability to recruit and develop young talent will be crucial to his success at Ohio State. Additionally, how he integrates into the Buckeyes’ existing defensive philosophy will determine whether his NFL experience translates effectively to the college game.
With Ohio State consistently competing for Big Ten and national titles, the hiring of Patricia is a high-profile move aimed at ensuring the defense is capable of standing up to elite offenses. Buckeyes fans will be eager to see how Patricia’s experience and approach impact the team in the 2024 season and beyond.
