Matt Patricia lands new job with college football powerhouse
Pete Thamel of ESPN reported via X on Wednesday that former New England Patriots coordinator Matt Patricia has been hired as the new defensive coordinator for the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Patricia began his career in the NFL with the Patriots in 2004 and is best known in New England for his time as a defensive coordinator under Bill Belichick from 2012 to 2017. After his time with the Patriots, he spent three years as head coach of the Detroit Lions, where he had a record of 13-29 before being fired.
In 2021, he returned to Foxborough as an assistant head coach. His role changed in 2022, as he became a senior advisor/offensive line coach — and called plays as the de facto offensive coordinator.
Many fans in New England were not particularly fond of Patricia, especially during his return and time spent with the offense in 2022, but he has ample experience in the defensive coordinator position. Over his five years as coordinator, his defenses helped lead the Patriots to Super Bowl victories in 2014 and 2016 and an overall record of 75-21.
Patricia will replace Buckeye defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who took over as the defensive coordinator at Penn State. Knowles coordinated the defense during Ohio State’s championship season last year.
Luke Graham is a digital sports content co-op for 98.5 the Sports Hub. He is currently a sophomore communications student at Northeastern University. Follow him on X @LukeGraham05.
