By Adeniyi Precious 
Ohio State head coach Ryan Day had a big decision to make after defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left for Penn State. Knowles had helped lead the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2024, so his replacement had to be someone who could keep that momentum going. Enter Matt Patricia.
Patricia, best known for his time in the NFL, spent nearly two decades coaching at the highest level, winning three Super Bowls along the way. That résumé caught Day’s attention. He didn’t want a coach to shake things up—he wanted someone who could step in and keep the defense running strong.
The Experience Factor
“Matt was that guy for a lot of reasons,” Day said. “He’s coached in six Super Bowls and has three rings. His experience speaks for itself.”
Beyond his NFL background, Patricia’s versatility stood out. Day emphasized the importance of evolving defensively, and Patricia’s ability to run different styles of defenses gave him an edge.
Even with Patricia coming in, Day was determined to keep the Buckeyes’ defensive staff intact. That meant defensive line coach Larry Johnson, linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, cornerbacks coach Tim Walton, and safeties coach Matt Guerrieri weren’t going anywhere. Patricia would have to fit into an existing system rather than building from scratch.
Why Did Patricia Take the Job?
Patricia hasn’t coached in college since 2003, so why jump back in now? Turns out, the excitement of college football—especially the expanded playoffs—played a big role in his decision.
“One of the most exciting things in college football was the playoffs,” Patricia said. “That’s what I loved about the NFL. Just give me a chance to get into the playoffs and make a run.”
He also pointed to the changes in college football, from NIL deals to the evolving structure of the game, as reasons why now felt like the right time to return.
A Perfect Match?
At the end of the day, this hire is about continuity. Day wants his defense to remain elite, and Patricia’s job is to make sure that happens. If he can bring fresh ideas without disrupting what’s already working, Ohio State should stay in the championship hunt.
“This defense has a foundation that can live on even if the faces change,” Day said. “Matt’s experience is going to have credibility the minute he walks in that room.”
Now, it’s up to Patricia to prove that Day made the right call.