Ohio State is set to welcome former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia as their new defensive coordinator, according to a source reported by On3. This news was initially broken by ESPN. In 2024, Patricia collaborated with his former boss, Bill Belichick, at the 33rd Team.

Belichick, who is currently leading the North Carolina team, spent significant time during the 2024 season analyzing the college football landscape alongside Patricia. With Belichick opting to appoint his son, Steve, as defensive coordinator, it opens up opportunities for Patricia.

Additionally, Ohio State plans to promote Tim Walton, the secondary coach, to co-defensive coordinator, while safeties coach Matt Guerrieri will be elevated to the position of pass-game coordinator. Previously, Jim Knowles served as the Buckeyes’ defensive coordinator but accepted a similar role at Penn State shortly after the team’s national championship victory last month.

In 2018, Patricia’s Detroit squad achieved notable ranking statistics, including fourth in sacks per attempt (8.7%), eighth in passing defense (224.9 yards per game), and tenth in both rushing defense (110.1 ypg) and total defense (335.0 ypg). He began his coaching journey at Amherst and Syracuse before making his mark as assistant offensive line coach for the Patriots from 2004 to 2005, where he celebrated Super Bowl victories.

After developing into the linebackers and safeties coach over six seasons, Patricia became the Patriots’ defensive coordinator from 2012 to 2017. He transitioned to the head coach of the Lions in 2018, remaining in that role until 2020, where he held a record of 13 wins, 29 losses, and 1 tie before his departure.

In subsequent years, Patricia took on advisory responsibilities with the Patriots in 2021 and 2022 before joining the Philadelphia Eagles as a defensive coach during the 2023 season.