Top college football coaching hires are highlighted by Matt Patricia’s transfer to Ohio State.

In the dynamic world of college football, coaching changes are as much a part of the sport as the games themselves. Every offseason, programs make adjustments, hire new staff, or promote from within to try to position themselves for future success. However, one of the most intriguing coaching moves of the 2025 offseason was the high-profile transfer of Matt Patricia, a former NFL coach, to Ohio State as part of their football coaching staff.

This bold move by the Buckeyes has not only caught the attention of college football fans but has also sparked an intense debate about the evolving role of coaching in the sport. Patricia, who made a name for himself as a defensive coordinator in the NFL, is now tasked with helping to elevate one of the most storied programs in college football history. But his hire isn’t the only one that has made waves in the coaching world. Alongside Patricia’s highly publicized transition to college football, a number of other coaching hires have also made headlines, all of which will shape the college football landscape in 2025.

This article will explore Patricia’s move to Ohio State, why this hire is such a monumental shift for both Patricia and the Buckeyes, and also highlight some of the other notable coaching hires in college football that promise to change the trajectory of their respective programs. From established NFL coaches to fresh faces in the college football world, this offseason has been full of surprises that will have a lasting impact on the sport.

1. Matt Patricia’s Move to Ohio State: A Game-Changing Hire

When Matt Patricia was hired by Ohio State, it was clear that the Buckeyes had made a bold decision to shake up their coaching staff. Known primarily for his time as a defensive coordinator with the New England Patriots, Patricia later went on to serve as the head coach of the Detroit Lions, but he struggled to bring success to the organization. Despite his lack of success as a head coach in the NFL, Patricia’s expertise as a defensive strategist cannot be overlooked. As the architect of one of the NFL’s top defenses during his time with the Patriots, his hire by Ohio State was met with curiosity, excitement, and, to some degree, skepticism.

Why Ohio State Made the Move

Ohio State has long been known for its powerful offense, led by high-profile quarterbacks and a star-studded receiving corps. However, under head coach Ryan Day, there has been a growing emphasis on improving the defense to match the offensive firepower. While Ohio State has always had talented defensive players, the program has struggled at times to put together a consistently dominant defense. The hire of Patricia was seen as a direct attempt to address this issue.

Patricia’s reputation for coaching up top-tier defensive units in the NFL makes him an ideal candidate to help elevate Ohio State’s defense. His experience with game planning against high-level offenses, particularly his years under Bill Belichick in New England, provides a wealth of knowledge that could translate well to college football. While Patricia’s background was built in the pro ranks, his football IQ and strategic acumen could prove invaluable in transforming the Buckeyes into a complete team that can dominate on both sides of the ball.

Patricia’s Potential Impact on Ohio State’s Defense

Ohio State’s defense has shown flashes of brilliance in recent seasons, but there have been concerns about its ability to perform in high-pressure situations, particularly during big games against top-tier competition. In 2024, the Buckeyes allowed 35 points in their loss to Michigan in the Big Ten Championship and were vulnerable to big plays throughout the season. The hire of Patricia signals that Ohio State is ready to take a more aggressive, disciplined approach on defense, one that can make life difficult for opposing offenses.

Patricia brings a reputation for being a meticulous defensive mind. He is known for his ability to identify and exploit offensive weaknesses, particularly in terms of creating pressure on the quarterback and forcing turnovers. As a defensive coordinator, Patricia’s experience in the NFL against some of the best offenses in the world could help him prepare his players for the speed and complexity of college football offenses. With Ohio State’s talent pool on defense — including players like Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau — Patricia now has the opportunity to mold a fearsome defensive unit capable of going toe-to-toe with the elite teams in the Big Ten and nationally.

A Bridge Between NFL and College Football

While Patricia’s coaching background is rooted in the NFL, his move to Ohio State represents a bridge between two distinct worlds of football coaching. The NFL’s emphasis on complex, scheme-heavy systems could be an asset to Ohio State, whose defense may have previously struggled with adjusting to different styles of offenses. Patricia’s ability to teach players how to read offensive line movements, decipher quarterback tendencies, and anticipate the opposition’s next move could give the Buckeyes a major advantage in their pursuit of national championships.

At the same time, Patricia’s transition to the college game will require a significant adjustment in terms of managing and developing players, particularly in terms of recruiting and working with younger athletes. While his NFL coaching experience is invaluable, he will need to adapt to the unique demands of college football — including recruiting, player development, and building strong relationships with athletes who may not have yet reached their peak potential.

2. Other Notable College Football Coaching Hires

While Patricia’s move to Ohio State has garnered the most attention, he is far from the only high-profile coaching hire in the offseason. Several other programs made major moves to strengthen their coaching staffs, hiring both experienced coaches and fresh faces to help lead their teams to success.

Deion Sanders to Colorado

One of the most significant coaching moves of the offseason was the hiring of Deion Sanders as the new head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes. Sanders, a Hall of Fame cornerback and one of the most electrifying personalities in football, brings a wealth of knowledge to the college football landscape. His ability to connect with players, combined with his strategic acumen and unparalleled experience, has quickly made Colorado one of the most intriguing programs in college football.

Sanders, who previously served as head coach at Jackson State University, turned that program into a national powerhouse in the FCS. His success at Jackson State has earned him the opportunity to take on a much larger challenge at Colorado, where he aims to rebuild a program that has been largely dormant for the past two decades. Sanders’ ability to recruit top-tier talent, along with his flair for coaching and leadership, could make Colorado a force to be reckoned with in the Pac-12.

Luke Fickell to Wisconsin

In the Big Ten, Luke Fickell made headlines when he was hired as the new head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers. Fickell, formerly the head coach at Cincinnati, led the Bearcats to the College Football Playoff in 2021 and built a program that consistently competed at a high level. Known for his defensive mind and ability to develop players, Fickell’s move to Wisconsin signals a shift toward a more competitive, well-rounded approach for the Badgers.

Wisconsin has traditionally been known for its dominant running game and physical brand of football, but under Fickell, there is hope that the program can evolve and compete for Big Ten titles on a more regular basis. Fickell’s experience with both offensive and defensive schemes will be vital as he works to improve all facets of Wisconsin’s football team.

Tom Herman to Florida Atlantic

Tom Herman has been named the new head coach at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), a move that raised eyebrows given Herman’s previous success at the University of Houston and Texas. After his tenure at Texas ended on a sour note, Herman has a chance to rebuild his reputation in a new environment at FAU. The Owls have had success in the past under previous head coaches, but Herman brings a level of experience and recruiting prowess that could elevate the program to new heights.

Herman’s offensive-minded coaching style will likely be a perfect fit for FAU, which has always been known for its explosive playmaking ability. If Herman can bring in top talent and develop a winning culture, FAU could become a strong contender in Conference USA and even in national bowl games.

3. The Changing Landscape of College Football Coaching

The trend of NFL coaches transitioning to college football — or vice versa — is a growing phenomenon in the modern college football landscape. With an ever-increasing demand for innovative and strategic coaching, more and more programs are looking to bring in experienced coaches who have spent time in both the NFL and college ranks. Patricia’s move to Ohio State, along with the hires of other former NFL coaches like Sanders, demonstrates that the lines between the two levels of football are increasingly blurred.

The evolving demands of the modern college football game — from recruiting to player development — require coaches who are not only tactical geniuses but also capable of connecting with athletes on a personal level. The hiring of former NFL coaches and other high-profile names signals that the next era of college football will be defined by even greater levels of competition, sophistication, and athleticism.