Ohio State football makes smart move to appoint franchise icon Matt Patricia as new DC after several mess by Jim Knowles, which leads to..
Ohio State head football coach Ryan Day has officially announced the hiring of Matt Patricia as the team’s new defensive coordinator. Patricia, renowned for his tenure as the defensive coordinator with the New England Patriots, where he contributed to two Super Bowl victories, brings a wealth of NFL experience to the Buckeyes. He succeeds Jim Knowles, who recently departed to assume the same position at Penn State.
During his time with the Patriots from 2012 to 2017, Patricia’s defensive units were instrumental in the team’s success, leading to multiple Super Bowl championships. His NFL journey also includes a head coaching role with the Detroit Lions and a recent position as a senior defensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.
The departure of Jim Knowles to Penn State came shortly after he guided Ohio State to a national championship in the 2024-25 season. Under his leadership, the Buckeyes’ defense was top-ranked nationally, allowing only 251.1 yards and 12.2 points per game. Knowles’ move to a Big Ten rival has intensified the competitive landscape within the conference.
While Patricia’s appointment has been met with optimism by some, citing his extensive NFL experience and strategic acumen, others have expressed concerns. Critics point to his limited recent involvement in college football and a challenging head coaching tenure with the Detroit Lions as potential areas of concern.
Coach Ryan Day, however, remains confident in Patricia’s ability to elevate the Buckeyes’ defense, emphasizing the value of his professional experience and leadership qualities. As the team transitions under new defensive leadership, the upcoming season holds significant anticipation for both players and fans.