The Ohio State football program has found its new defensive coordinator in an unusual place. According to multiple reports out of Columbus, the Buckeyes are bringing in former Lions head coach Matt Patricia to run their defense.
Yes, really…
Patricia spent the 2024 season outside of any team. He was the Lions’ head coach from 2017 to 2020, when he was summarily fired midyear following several disappointing seasons, an inability to connect with players and a largely inflexible system. Patricia spent time thereafter with the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles. He hasn’t coached at the collegiate level since being an offensive assistant at Syracuse in 2003.
Ohio State’s coordinator for the last two seasons, including their national championship run last fall, was Jim Knowles. He left to take the same job at Penn State.