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Despite finally winning a national championship under head coach Ryan Day, the Ohio State Buckeyes have had a bit of a difficult offseason. Former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left for the same position at Penn State. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly left for the NFL and the Las Vegas Raiders, and offensive line coach Justin Frye left for the same position with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Buckeyes have already filled the latter two positions. Star wide receiver coach Brian Hartline is the new offensive coordinator, while former Virginia Tech offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen is now the Ohio State’s offensive line coach. But the defensive coordinator position is another story.
The Buckeyes are reportedly nearing a decision, with one big name coming to the forefront.
Rumors are circulating that longtime NFL coach Matt Patricia could be Ohio State’s next defensive coordinator.
The Belichick defensive disciple has won three Super Bowls but hasn’t coached in college since 2003.
Would be a fascinating hire, if it comes to fruition. pic.twitter.com/nlLcCjOarR
— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) February 10, 2025
Ohio State Buckeyes Rumored To Be Lining Up Matt Patricia As New D-Coordinator
Ohio State news aggregator The Silver Bulletin reports that Patricia has emerged as a lead candidate for the job. At one point, Patricia was considered a surefire future star head coach in the NFL. He served as Bill Belichick’s defensive coordinator from 2012-17. But his time as a head coach with the Detroit Lions was a disaster, going 13-29-1 across just under three seasons.
Since then, Patricia has bounced around several analyst and advisor roles, but he was out of football in 2024.
Patricia would undoubtedly classify as a “big swing” for Day and co. Although you’d think they’d have plenty of potential candidates given the caliber of the job. Placing your eggs in the basket of a guy who hasn’t succeeded in their job for several years sure feels like an unnecessary risk. But at this point, Day could do just about anything and still have the trust of his team.