In a move that’s sent shockwaves throughout the college football world, former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia has been hired as the new defensive coordinator at Ohio State University. Patricia, who spent three seasons as the Lions’ head coach from 2018 to 2020, will bring his extensive NFL experience to the Buckeyes’ defense.
The hiring of Patricia is a significant coup for Ohio State, which has been looking to revamp its defense after a disappointing 2022 season. The Buckeyes’ defense struggled at times last year, particularly against the pass, and Patricia’s expertise in defensive schematics and game planning is expected to pay dividends.
Patricia’s NFL background is impressive, having spent 14 seasons with the New England Patriots, including six as the team’s defensive coordinator. During his time with the Patriots, Patricia helped the team win three Super Bowl championships and was widely regarded as one of the top defensive coordinators in the league.
While Patricia’s tenure as the Lions’ head coach was ultimately unsuccessful, his defensive acumen and ability to adapt to different personnel and situations are highly respected. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day is confident that Patricia’s experience and expertise will be a major asset to the Buckeyes’ defense.
“Matt is a highly respected coach with a proven track record of success,” Day said in a statement. “His experience in the NFL and his ability to adapt to different personnel and situations will be a major asset to our defense.”
Patricia’s hiring is also a significant boost to Ohio State’s recruiting efforts. The Buckeyes are already one of the top recruiting programs in the country, and Patricia’s NFL background and reputation as a top defensive coach are likely to attract even more top talent to Columbus.
Overall, the hiring of Matt Patricia as Ohio State’s new defensive coordinator is a major coup for the Buckeyes. With his extensive NFL experience and defensive expertise, Patricia is expected to make a significant impact on Ohio State’s defense and help the team compete for a national championship.