Ohio State University’s decision to hire Matt Patricia as its new defensive coordinator has raised eyebrows among college football enthusiasts. Patricia, 50, is best known for his tenure as head coach of the Detroit Lions from 2018 to 2020, where he amassed a 13-29-1 record. Prior to that, he served as the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots from 2012 to 2017, contributing to two Super Bowl victories. Most recently, in 2023, he was a defensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles.
This hiring follows the departure of Jim Knowles, who left Ohio State to become the defensive coordinator at Penn State, securing a record-breaking contract worth $3.1 million per year.
Knowles had been instrumental in leading Ohio State’s defense to a national championship, with the team allowing the fewest yards and points per game in the nation during the 2024-25 season.
The selection of Patricia has been met with skepticism. Critics point to his recent coaching history, including his unsuccessful stint with the Lions and his brief tenure with the Eagles, where the defense showed minimal improvement. Some question his ability to recruit effectively and adapt to the college football landscape.
In contrast, Ohio State had other potential candidates who were considered more suitable for the role. For instance, Randy Bates from the University of Pittsburgh and Matt Cullen from the Kansas City Chiefs were both seen as strong options. Additionally, promoting from within, such as elevating Matt Guerrieri, was also considered a viable path.
As Ohio State prepares for the upcoming season, the hiring of Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator remains a topic of debate, with many questioning the decision and its potential impact on the team’s future performance
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