The Ohio State Buckeyes are fresh off their ninth national championship victory, marking the first under head coach Ryan Day. However, championship success often brings staff turnover, and this offseason has been no exception.
Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly has departed for the NFL, taking the same role with the Las Vegas Raiders, while defensive coordinator Jim Knowles made a surprising move to Penn State, lured away by a lucrative contract. While Ohio State quickly promoted wide receivers coach Brian Hartline to offensive coordinator, the defensive coordinator position remains vacant.
A Potential Fit: Matt Patricia
One name emerging in the conversation is Matt Patricia, a former New England Patriots defensive coordinator with extensive NFL experience. Patricia, who last coached in the college ranks at Syracuse in 2003, spent over a decade in New England, playing a key role in multiple Super Bowl victories.
He served as defensive coordinator for the Patriots from 2012 to 2017, leading one of the league’s top defenses to two Super Bowl wins. Though his tenure as head coach of the Detroit Lions (2018–2020) was underwhelming, he remains a respected defensive strategist. Most recently, Patricia worked with the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense in 2023.
Will Ohio State Make an External Hire?
Ohio State could opt for an internal promotion, just as they did with Hartline. However, with Knowles’ departure leaving big shoes to fill, the Buckeyes may look outside the program for a proven defensive mind.
Knowles was instrumental in revamping Ohio State’s defense, transforming it into one of the nation’s best. Whoever steps into the role will be expected to maintain that standard—and Patricia’s experience makes him a compelling option.
For now, the Buckeyes have time to evaluate their choices. Whether they go with Patricia or another candidate, this hire will play a key role in shaping their championship aspirations for the upcoming season.
