Top college football coaching hires are highlighted by Matt Patricia’s transfer to Ohio State…. Read More…
COLUMBUS, OH – The college football coaching carousel has been in full swing this offseason, with several high-profile programs making significant hires. But one of the most surprising and intriguing moves has been the hiring of Matt Patricia as the new defensive coordinator at Ohio State.
Patricia, a veteran coach with extensive experience in the NFL, brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Buckeyes’ defense. His hiring is a major coup for Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, who has been looking to shore up his team’s defense after a disappointing finish to the 2023 season.
“Matt is a tremendous coach and a great fit for our program,” said Day. “His experience and expertise will be invaluable to our defense, and we’re excited to have him on board.”
Patricia, who spent the past three seasons as the head coach of the Detroit Lions, has a long and distinguished coaching career. He began his coaching career in the NFL as a assistant coach with the New England Patriots, where he worked under legendary coach Bill Belichick. He later became the defensive coordinator for the Patriots, helping the team win three Super Bowl championships.
After his stint with the Patriots, Patricia became the head coach of the Detroit Lions, where he spent three seasons before being let go. Despite his struggles as a head coach, Patricia remains one of the most respected defensive minds in the game, and his hiring is a major boost to the Buckeyes’ defense.
“Matt is a brilliant defensive coach who has a proven track record of success,” said Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith. “We’re thrilled to have him join our staff and help our defense take the next step.”
Patricia’s hiring is just one of several high-profile coaching moves this offseason. Other notable hires include former NFL coach Mike McCarthy, who is taking over as the head coach at Texas, and former Alabama assistant coach Steve Sarkisian, who is becoming the head coach at Texas.
But while these hires are certainly significant, Patricia’s move to Ohio State is perhaps the most intriguing. With his extensive experience and expertise, Patricia is expected to make a major impact on the Buckeyes’ defense, and his hiring is a major statement by Ohio State’s athletic department.
“We’re committed to building a championship-caliber program here at Ohio State, and hiring coaches like Matt Patricia is a big part of that,” said Smith. “We’re excited to see what he can do with our defense.”
Patricia’s first task will be to help the Buckeyes’ defense improve on its performance from last season. Ohio State finished 2023 ranked 36th nationally in total defense, allowing an average of 365 yards per game. While those numbers aren’t terrible, they’re certainly not up to the standards of a program like Ohio State, which has a long history of producing dominant defenses.
With Patricia at the helm, however, the Buckeyes are hoping to return to their defensive roots. Patricia is known for his aggressive, attacking style of defense, which emphasizes speed, athleticism, and physicality. It’s a style that has served him well throughout his coaching career, and one that he’s confident will be successful at Ohio State.
“I’m excited to get started and help the Buckeyes build a championship-caliber defense,” said Patricia. “We’re going to be aggressive, we’re going to be physical, and we’re going to be relentless in our pursuit of excellence. I’m honored to be a part of this program, and I’m looking forward to getting to work.”
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