Winning a national championship has a way of making people forget the doubts, the near-misses, and the calls for a head coach’s job. Ryan Day, once under immense pressure, just silenced his critics by leading the Ohio State Buckeyes to the top of the college football world. His reward? A massive seven-year contract extension worth $87.5 million, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in the nation. But with great success comes even greater expectations.
Now, Day is taking a gamble—one that’s raising eyebrows in Columbus and beyond. His latest move? Bringing in former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia to run Ohio State’s defense.
For some, it’s a brilliant hire. For others, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.
While New England Patriots legend Julian Edelman has given his stamp of approval, former Ohio State linebacker Joshua Perry is sounding the alarm. So, is Patricia the missing piece or the beginning of a defensive disaster? Let’s break it down.
A High-Risk, High-Reward Gamble for Ryan Day
Day’s decision to hire Patricia comes after the departure of former defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, who bolted for Penn State after receiving a three-year deal worth $3.1 million. This move left a gaping hole in Ohio State’s coaching staff, and the Buckeyes had to make a splashy hire.
But instead of securing a proven college defensive mastermind, Day turned to a polarizing NFL figure—one who’s had a rollercoaster coaching career.
Patricia’s resume is undeniably impressive on paper. He was Bill Belichick’s right-hand man in New England, serving as the Patriots’ defensive coordinator for six seasons and winning three Super Bowls. But that’s only part of the story.
- His Detroit Lions tenure was a disaster – Patricia went 13-29-1 before being fired midway through his third season.
- His defensive track record has blemishes – In Super Bowl LII, his New England defense gave up 41 points and 538 yards to the Eagles, costing the Patriots a championship.
- His Philadelphia stint was forgettable – He joined the Eagles as a senior defensive assistant, but the team let him go after an embarrassing playoff loss to Tampa Bay.
So why would Ryan Day take such a risk? Because college football is a different animal.
The NFL is about schematics and execution, but at the college level, recruiting, motivation, and adaptability play just as big of a role. Day seems to believe that Patricia’s mind for defense will shine in this new setting, but some are warning that his harsh coaching style may not translate well to college athletes.
Ohio State hired Matt Patricia as their defensive coordinator. @Jbooty88 and @mrjoshuaperry break it down on Message Board Monday ⬇️#BigCFBShow pic.twitter.com/x0rnwlIJRO
— Chicago Sports Network (@CHSN__) February 18, 2025
The Harsh Reality Check: Joshua Perry’s Nightmare Patricia Experience
While Patriots legend Julian Edelman celebrated the hire, former Ohio State linebacker Joshua Perry had a very different reaction.
Perry, who played for Ohio State from 2012 to 2015, shared a brutal firsthand experience with Patricia during his pre-draft process. Appearing on the Chicago Sports Network Podcast, Perry recalled an unforgettable film session with Patricia that left him questioning everything.
“I had one experience with Matt Patricia,” Perry said. “It was in my pre-draft process… Went into the film room and watched about 2 hours and 45 minutes’ worth of film. He tore us down. Told us we were nothing, we couldn’t do anything right… Guys were dropping like flies, two of us made it to the on-field work… He killed us. It was terrible.”
That level of intensity might fly in the NFL, but will it work in college?
Perry’s concerns align with what some critics have called Patricia’s “smartest man in the room” syndrome—a belief that his methods are the gold standard, even when they rub players the wrong way. If he brings that same demeanor to Columbus, will the Buckeyes’ defense rally behind him or rebel against him?
Patriots Legend Julian Edelman Has a Different Perspective
Not everyone is skeptical.
One of the most respected voices in football, Julian Edelman, wasted no time celebrating the hire. Having battled against Patricia’s defenses for years as a key Patriots receiver, Edelman sees this as a massive win for Ohio State.
“Huge get for the program. Congrats Matty P,” Edelman posted.
The former Super Bowl MVP believes Patricia’s tactical mind and defensive prowess will be a game-changer at the college level. And it’s true—when he was at his best in New England, his defenses were disciplined, aggressive, and dominant.
The question is: Which Matt Patricia will Ohio State get? The defensive genius from his Super Bowl-winning days or the stubborn coach who lost the locker room in Detroit?
The Verdict: A Genius Move or a Ticking Time Bomb?
Ryan Day is banking on Patricia’s redemption arc, hoping that he’ll thrive in the college game where his weaknesses may be masked and his strengths amplified.
But let’s be clear: This is a massive gamble.
- If Patricia adapts, connects with players, and schemes up a dominant defense, Ohio State could cement itself as a powerhouse for years to come.
- If he alienates players and struggles with the speed of the college game, this hire could backfire spectacularly.
For now, all eyes are on Columbus. Will Matt Patricia resurrect his career and help the Buckeyes build a dynasty? Or will Ryan Day’s bold experiment end in regret?
One thing’s for sure—this story is far from over. And Buckeyes fans better buckle up, because this ride is about to get wild.
