Matt Patricia to Ohio State highlights top college football coaching hires

Matt Patricia to Ohio State Highlights Top College Football Coaching Hires

The landscape of college football coaching is ever-evolving, and with each offseason, there is an influx of new hires, strategic moves, and exciting developments that shape the trajectory of programs across the country. The 2025 coaching carousel has been particularly noteworthy, with several high-profile hires making headlines and generating significant buzz. One of the most surprising and impactful hires came at Ohio State, where Matt Patricia, the former NFL head coach and defensive coordinator, was brought in to lead the Buckeyes’ defense. His hiring represents a bold and ambitious move by Ryan Day and Ohio State, signaling a renewed commitment to elite defensive play and the program’s continued dominance in college football.

However, Patricia’s addition to Ohio State is only one part of a larger trend in college football coaching changes that are reshaping some of the biggest programs in the country. From former NFL coaches to up-and-coming assistants, the 2025 coaching changes have the potential to have lasting impacts on college football for years to come. In this article, we will explore the Matt Patricia hire, as well as other major coaching moves that are set to influence the sport’s future.

Matt Patricia’s Move to Ohio State: A Game-Changer for the Buckeyes

When Ryan Day decided to hire Matt Patricia, it was clear that Ohio State was committed to bolstering its defensive side of the ball. The Buckeyes have long been known for their explosive offenses, churning out quarterbacks, wide receivers, and running backs who dominate on the national stage. But after a few seasons where the defense showed signs of vulnerability, especially in high-stakes games against top-tier teams, Day recognized the need for a change.

Matt Patricia, whose coaching career is heavily rooted in the NFL, brings a wealth of experience and credibility to Ohio State’s defense. Patricia was once the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, where he was instrumental in shaping one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history. After his stint as a head coach with the Detroit Lions, Patricia returned to a defensive coordinator role, making him a sought-after commodity when it came to improving defenses at the collegiate level.

Patricia’s defensive philosophy is built on multiple fronts, mixing aggressive man-to-man coverage with zone blitz schemes designed to confuse and overwhelm opposing quarterbacks. This approach will fit well with Ohio State’s existing defensive personnel, which includes some of the most talented defensive linemen and linebackers in college football. J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, and Ty Hamilton form a fearsome front seven, and Patricia will look to maximize their potential with his complex defensive schemes.

One key benefit of Patricia’s hiring is his NFL experience, which will help prepare Ohio State’s defensive players for the next level. His ability to coach players in the nuances of professional football—such as tackling techniques, reading offenses, and defensive positioning—will enhance the Buckeyes’ overall defensive discipline. His experience also adds to his credibility as a recruiter, as defensive recruits will be eager to play under a coach who has worked with the likes of Tom Brady, Aaron Donald, and other NFL stars.

Patricia’s defensive schemes are often complex, but his ability to simplify the game for his players, ensuring they can execute at the highest level, will be crucial for Ohio State. As the Buckeyes look to return to their championship form, Patricia will play an integral role in transforming their defense into a unit capable of stifling any offense.

Other Major College Football Coaching Hires:

While Matt Patricia’s hiring at Ohio State has captured much of the attention, other programs have also made significant coaching changes in 2025 that could have a lasting impact. From new head coaches to revamped assistant staffs, these moves will define the upcoming seasons of college football.

1. Texas Longhorns Hire Steve Sarkisian’s New Offensive Coordinator:

At Texas, the excitement surrounding Steve Sarkisian’s tenure as head coach continues to grow, and in 2025, the Longhorns made a strategic move by hiring Tom Herman as their new offensive coordinator. Herman, who previously served as the head coach at Houston and Texas, brings an experienced offensive mind to the Longhorns’ staff.

Herman’s philosophy centers around creating a dynamic, up-tempo offense that can stretch defenses vertically and horizontally. He is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and leverage talented playmakers, two areas that are crucial to Texas’ success in the Big 12 and beyond. With a stacked roster of skill-position players, including running back Bijan Robinson and wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington, Herman’s expertise should take the Longhorns’ offense to new heights.

The decision to hire Herman is a big gamble for Texas, but it could pay off in the long run as they continue to build toward a championship-caliber team. The added experience that Herman brings to the offensive staff should alleviate some of the pressure on Sarkisian, allowing the head coach to focus on managing the entire team while still having an elite offensive mind in place.

2. Georgia Bulldogs’ Defensive Coordinator Hire:

Kirby Smart at Georgia has created one of the most dominant defenses in college football over the past few seasons. However, in 2025, the Bulldogs took a proactive step in maintaining their elite status on that side of the ball by hiring Will Muschamp as the team’s new defensive coordinator.

Muschamp is a well-known defensive coach with a long history of success, including his time as head coach at South Carolina and stints at Florida and Auburn. His coaching philosophy revolves around creating aggressive defenses that dictate the tempo of games. Muschamp will bring a fresh approach to Georgia’s already-impressive defense, helping to integrate new schemes and techniques to enhance the Bulldogs’ ability to defend both the run and the pass.

With a roster loaded with talented defensive players such as Jalen Carter, Broderick Jones, and Kelee Ringo, Muschamp’s defensive acumen will be critical in maintaining Georgia’s dominance on that side of the ball. As they look to continue their championship pursuit, the Bulldogs’ defense under Muschamp will be a key pillar of their success in 2025.

3. USC Brings in a Former NFL Defensive Coordinator to Lead Defense:

At USC, Lincoln Riley is looking to build on the success of his first season with the Trojans by making a high-profile addition to his coaching staff. Riley hired Rod Marinelli, a former NFL defensive coordinator with extensive experience in coaching the defensive line, to oversee USC’s defense in 2025.

Marinelli’s experience coaching in the NFL, especially with high-profile teams like the Dallas Cowboys, has made him one of the most respected defensive coaches in football. His ability to develop elite pass rushers and build a disruptive defensive line will be crucial for USC’s success as they look to compete in the Pac-12 and eventually the College Football Playoff. His focus on speed, technique, and constant pressure will complement Riley’s high-powered offense, giving USC the balance it needs to contend for championships.

With the addition of Marinelli, USC’s defense will likely undergo a transformation in 2025. The Trojans have always had talented athletes, but Marinelli’s coaching will be vital in taking them to the next level and making them a serious threat on both sides of the ball.

4. Notre Dame Hires Former Georgia Defensive Coordinator as DC:

At Notre Dame, head coach Marcus Freeman continues to build his program and instill a defensive mentality that has made the Fighting Irish one of the toughest teams in college football. In 2025, Freeman brought in Dan Lanning, the former defensive coordinator at Georgia, to take over as the new defensive coordinator at Notre Dame.

Lanning is widely regarded as one of the top defensive minds in college football, having helped lead Georgia to a national championship while developing one of the most feared defenses in the sport. His schemes are focused on physicality, speed, and relentless pressure, which should mesh perfectly with Freeman’s defensive-first mentality at Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish have struggled in big games over the past few seasons, but Lanning’s leadership could be the key to finally pushing them to the next level.

Lanning’s hiring signals a commitment to defense at Notre Dame, and his ability to mold young talent into impact players will be critical for the Fighting Irish in 2025.