Ohio State to Appoint Matt Patricia as New Defensive Coordinator, According to Sources

By Bruce Feldman and Cameron Teague Robinson

Ohio State has officially appointed Matt Patricia as its new defensive coordinator, according to sources close to the team.

Patricia, who previously held the position of defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots from 2012 to 2017 and celebrated three Super Bowl victories during his tenure, steps in following Jim Knowles’ recent move to Penn State.

Patricia’s main objective will be to maintain Ohio State’s defense as one of the premier units nationally, despite the loss of seven key starters from last season’s championship squad.

While Patricia is widely recognized for his successful run with the Patriots, he also served as the head coach of the Detroit Lions, where he faced challenges, recording a 13-29 record over three years before parting ways with the team. Following his time in Detroit, he returned to New England as an advisor and then joined the Philadelphia Eagles as a defensive assistant for the 2023 season, where he handled play-calling duties but did not secure the defensive coordinator position during the last offseason.

Head coach Ryan Day is optimistic that Patricia will thrive at Ohio State, providing him an opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities as a defensive coordinator outside the influence of Bill Belichick.

According to team sources, cornerbacks coach Tim Walton will be promoted to co-defensive coordinator, while safeties coach Matt Guerrieri will take on the role of passing game coordinator.

Patricia’s Objectives at Ohio State

The coaching staff is now complete. The Buckeyes are expected to finalize their new hires, including offensive additions, shortly. With Patricia on board, Day has found the experienced coordinator he was seeking, effectively concluding the promotions within the coaching staff.

Ohio State wrapped up last season boasting one of the top defenses in the nation and retains significant contributors from that championship team, including starting linebacker Sonny Styles and cornerback Davison Igbinosun, both of whom opted to return instead of declaring for the NFL Draft, as well as All-American safety Caleb Downs. Patricia will oversee an entirely revamped defensive line, likely featuring Kenyatta Jackson Jr. and Caden Curry as edge rushers, alongside Kayden McDonald and Eddrick Houston as interior starters.

During his stint with the Lions, Patricia’s teams consistently ranked low in blitzing frequency, finishing 25th in 2020, 30th in 2019, and 31st in 2018. This approach may shift in the collegiate landscape, where Ohio State’s championship run was characterized by an unpredictable defense and an exceptional edge-rushing partnership of Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau.

This decision may evoke mixed feelings among Buckeye supporters, given Patricia’s struggles since leaving New England. However, the timing appears favorable for Ohio State, allowing both the team and Patricia a month to adjust before the start of spring practices, likely necessitating additional practice reps for starters as they adapt to the new system. — Cameron Teague Robinson, Ohio State beat writer