On February 20, 2025, Ohio State University officially announced the appointment of Matt Patricia as its new defensive coordinator. This move marks a significant shift in the Buckeyes’ coaching staff, as Patricia brings a wealth of experience from both the NFL and collegiate football. He replaces Jim Knowles, who departed to become the defensive coordinator at Penn State.
Background and Coaching Career
Matt Patricia’s coaching journey began at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), where he played as a center and guard from 1992 to 1995. After his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, starting as a graduate assistant at RPI in 1996. His early coaching roles included positions at Amherst College and Syracuse University.
In 2004, Patricia joined the New England Patriots as an assistant offensive line coach. Over the next decade, he ascended through the ranks, serving as linebackers coach, safeties coach, and ultimately as the defensive coordinator from 2012 to 2017. During his tenure, the Patriots’ defense was instrumental in securing three Super Bowl championships.
In 2018, Patricia became the head coach of the Detroit Lions. His tenure was marked by challenges, with the team compiling a 13–29–1 record over parts of three seasons. He was dismissed mid-season in 2020.
After his time with the Lions, Patricia returned to the Patriots in 2021 as a senior football advisor. He also served as the offensive line coach and, in 2022, took on the role of offensive playcaller. In 2023, he joined the Philadelphia Eagles as a senior defensive assistant, where he briefly assumed defensive playcalling duties.
Ohio State Appointment
Patricia’s appointment to Ohio State’s defensive coordinator position is seen as a strategic move to bolster the team’s defensive prowess. Head coach Ryan Day expressed confidence in Patricia’s ability to integrate into the program’s culture and values, highlighting his creative and outstanding abilities as a defensive coach.
The Buckeyes’ defense has been a cornerstone of their success, with the team allowing only 251.1 yards per game and 12.2 points per game in the previous season. Patricia’s extensive experience in defensive strategy is expected to further enhance this unit.
Critiques and Considerations
Despite the optimism surrounding Patricia’s appointment, some critics have raised concerns. His last collegiate coaching experience dates back to 2003 with Syracuse, and he has no recent experience coaching collegiate defenses. Additionally, his tenure as head coach of the Detroit Lions was marked by a 13–29–1 record, leading to his dismissal mid-season in 2020.
Furthermore, Patricia’s brief stint with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023 did not yield significant improvements in the team’s defensive performance. These factors have led some to question the decision to hire him as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator.
Conclusion
Matt Patricia’s appointment as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator brings a wealth of experience from his extensive coaching career in the NFL and collegiate football. While his tenure with the Detroit Lions and recent coaching roles have faced scrutiny, his success with the New England Patriots’ defense and his deep understanding of defensive strategies offer potential benefits to the Buckeyes. As he steps into this new role, all eyes will be on how Patricia adapts his coaching philosophy to the collegiate level and the impact he will have on Ohio State’s defense in the upcoming seasons.