Five things to know about Matt Patricia, the new defensive coordinator at Ohio State

In the ever-evolving world of college football, coaching changes can have a profound impact on a program’s trajectory. Recently, Ohio State University made a significant move by hiring Matt Patricia as the new defensive coordinator for the Buckeyes. Known for his time in the NFL, Patricia brings a wealth of experience and a unique skill set to one of the most prestigious football programs in college football history. His appointment has been met with much anticipation and curiosity, as Ohio State’s defense has struggled in recent seasons to match the intensity and efficiency of its offensive counterpart.

For those who may not be familiar with Patricia’s background or his potential impact at Ohio State, this article breaks down the five key things to know about the new defensive coordinator. From his coaching career in the NFL to his defensive philosophy, Patricia’s journey to Ohio State is sure to influence the future of the Buckeyes’ defense.

1. A Deep NFL Background with Notable Experience

Before taking the reins as Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia built a well-rounded and highly respected coaching resume in the NFL, which began with his tenure as a defensive assistant with the New England Patriots. Patricia spent more than a decade working under legendary head coach Bill Belichick, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest football minds in history. It was with the Patriots that Patricia honed his craft, learning the intricacies of defense and becoming an important part of one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive systems.

Patricia’s time with the Patriots began in 2004 when he was hired as a defensive assistant, and over the course of several years, he worked his way up the coaching ranks. By 2012, Patricia was promoted to defensive coordinator, a position he held until 2017. During his time as the defensive coordinator, Patricia’s defenses were integral to the Patriots’ sustained success, including their Super Bowl victories. Under Patricia’s guidance, the Patriots defense consistently ranked among the NFL’s best, with a strong emphasis on adaptability, situational awareness, and playing with discipline.

Following his successful stint in New England, Patricia moved on to become the head coach of the Detroit Lions in 2018. Although his tenure with the Lions wasn’t as successful as many had hoped, Patricia’s leadership and deep understanding of defensive football were undeniable. He was able to implement his defensive philosophy in Detroit, though the team’s struggles on offense ultimately overshadowed his efforts. Despite not achieving great success with the Lions, Patricia’s work in Detroit further solidified his reputation as a defensive strategist with a proven track record.

Now, after years of experience in the NFL, Patricia returns to college football to take on a new challenge at Ohio State.

2. Strong Belief in the “Patriot Way” and the Belichick Influence

When Matt Patricia takes the defensive reins at Ohio State, he is bringing with him a philosophy that is rooted in Bill Belichick’s coaching principles. The “Patriot Way” is known for its focus on discipline, preparation, and attention to detail, all of which are key components of Patricia’s defensive coaching approach. The influence of Belichick, under whom Patricia worked for over a decade, will undoubtedly be felt on the Ohio State defense.

Patricia’s defenses are designed to be flexible and adaptable, with a focus on adjusting game plans based on the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and reading offensive formations, anticipating plays, and making quick in-game adjustments. His goal is to prepare players not just to execute specific schemes but to think critically and react quickly to in-game developments.

Moreover, Patricia’s defensive philosophy focuses on creating a balanced unit capable of stopping both the run and the pass. During his time in New England, Patricia’s defenses were known for their ability to shut down explosive offenses and limit big plays, while also maintaining a strong presence against the run. This mentality, built on preparation and situational awareness, is something that Patricia will bring to Ohio State, where he aims to elevate the Buckeyes’ defense to the level of their potent offense.

3. Experience Coaching High-Level Talent

One of the most notable aspects of Matt Patricia’s career is his experience working with elite players in the NFL. As defensive coordinator of the Patriots, Patricia had the opportunity to coach some of the best defensive players in the league, including Devin McCourty, Dante Hightower, and Dont’a Hightower. Patricia’s ability to get the most out of these players and coach them to perform at a high level has been widely praised, as the Patriots’ defense was often one of the league’s most well-rounded units during his tenure.

At Ohio State, Patricia will have the opportunity to work with some of the nation’s top college football talent. The Buckeyes have a rich history of producing elite defensive players, and the 2025 roster is no exception. With top recruits coming into the program, including defensive linemen, linebackers, and secondary players, Patricia will have the chance to mold a defense capable of competing for national championships. Ohio State has often been known for its offensive firepower, but under Patricia’s guidance, the Buckeyes’ defense could become just as formidable.

Ohio State’s defense has had its struggles in recent years, particularly in big games. However, Patricia’s ability to develop and elevate talented players, as he did with the Patriots, could be exactly what the Buckeyes need to close the gap with other elite teams. His ability to work with high-level talent and adapt his system to individual players’ strengths will be key to his success at Ohio State.

4. A Focus on Player Development and Building a Tough Defense

In addition to his tactical expertise, one of the hallmarks of Matt Patricia’s coaching style is his emphasis on player development. Patricia is known for his meticulous attention to detail and his commitment to making each player the best version of themselves. At Ohio State, this will be especially important as he takes on the challenge of developing a defense that can compete with the explosive offenses in the Big Ten and beyond.

Patricia’s coaching philosophy centers on building a tough, physical defense that is capable of withstanding the rigors of a college football season. He places a strong emphasis on teaching defensive players to play with discipline, toughness, and mental resilience. Ohio State’s defensive players will be expected to be sound in their technique, consistently execute their assignments, and remain mentally tough in high-pressure situations.

Under Patricia’s leadership, Ohio State’s defense will likely focus on physicality and fundamental play. Whether it’s dominating the line of scrimmage with a strong defensive front, shutting down running backs with solid tackling, or locking down wide receivers in the secondary, Patricia’s emphasis on player development will make Ohio State’s defense more well-rounded and difficult to exploit.

Additionally, Patricia is likely to encourage his defensive players to be versatile and adaptable, much like the defensive players he coached in New England. Whether they’re asked to rush the passer, drop into coverage, or stop the run, Patricia will ensure that his players are capable of executing multiple roles within the defense.

5. Potential Challenges and Opportunities at Ohio State

While Matt Patricia’s hiring has been met with excitement, there are also challenges that he will need to navigate as he transitions into the college football landscape. First and foremost, Patricia’s experience has primarily been in the NFL, where the players are often more mature, and the level of play is extremely high. College football presents a different set of challenges, particularly in recruiting and working with younger players who may not have the same level of experience or knowledge of the game.

Ohio State, however, offers a unique opportunity. The program consistently recruits top-tier talent, and the Buckeyes’ defensive roster is already filled with highly skilled players who are primed for development. Patricia will have the chance to mold a defense that could be among the best in college football, but it will require time, patience, and an understanding of the nuances of college football coaching.

The other challenge Patricia will face is adjusting to the demands of the college football schedule. Unlike the NFL, where teams have longer preparation periods and fewer games, college football requires a rapid turnaround between games and an intense focus on recruiting. Patricia’s ability to manage these responsibilities while maintaining his focus on defensive strategy and development will be crucial.

Nevertheless, Ohio State’s program presents a fantastic opportunity for Patricia. The Buckeyes are consistently among the top programs in the country, and with his defensive expertise, Patricia has the potential to elevate Ohio State’s defense to elite status. His background in the NFL, combined with his passion for teaching and developing players, makes him a perfect fit for Ohio State’s aspirations of competing for national championships.