Matt Patricia Set to Lead Ohio State’s Defensive Charge

Ohio State University is on the verge of appointing veteran NFL coach Matt Patricia as its new defensive coordinator. This move comes as the Buckeyes aim to bolster their defensive unit following the departure of Jim Knowles, who took on a similar role at Penn State. Patricia, known for his extensive NFL experience, brings a wealth of expertise to a defense that saw significant turnover but held top national rankings.

Patricia's coaching journey is marked by his tenure with the Detroit Lions, where he served as head coach from 2018 to 2020. Despite a challenging record of 13-29-1 over these three seasons, his time as a coach is highlighted by notable achievements, particularly during his years with the New England Patriots. Patricia contributed to two Super Bowl victories as defensive coordinator and played pivotal roles in shaping the team's formidable defense.

Before his head coaching role at the Lions, Patricia spent six seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Patriots, starting from 2012. His strategic involvement with the Patriots extends back to 2010 when he began calling defensive plays without an official title. Additionally, he was part of the Patriots' coaching staff during their 2004 Super Bowl triumph as an offensive assistant.

At Ohio State, Patricia steps into a critical position, inheriting a defense that returns only three starters. The Buckeyes' defense, which ranked No. 1 nationally in total and scoring defense, faces a significant rebuild with eight starters expected to enter the NFL draft. Among those staying are standout junior linebacker Sonny Styles and senior cornerback Davison Igbinosun, who received honorable mention All-Big Ten honors.

Patricia's appointment signals Ohio State's commitment to maintaining its strong defensive legacy. Under his guidance, the Buckeyes aim to continue their dominance in passing defense, having finished first in passing yards allowed for two consecutive years. His new role emphasizes enhancing secondary play, a key area of focus for Ohio State's defense.