Report: Ohio State to tap Matt Patricia as defensive coordinator

Field Level Media|published: 02/12/2025, 1:42pm EST

Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots senior football advisor Matt Patricia watches a play against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

Ohio State is turning to former Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia to be its next defensive coordinator, ESPN reported on Wednesday.

Patricia would replace Jim Knowles, who helped the Buckeyes to the national title this past season. Knowles, a Pennsylvania native, left Ohio State to assume the same position at Penn State and become the highest-paid defensive coordinator in the nation.

The Buckeyes rode the No. 1 defense in the country to four victories in the College Football Playoff, including a 34-23 win over Notre Dame in the title game. Ohio State gave up 251.1 yards per game, more than five yards better than the next best team, Indiana.

The Buckeyes finished 14-2 and also led the nation with 12.2 points per game, more than two points better than Notre Dame.

Patricia, 50, had a 13-29-1 record during parts of three seasons (2018-20) with the Lions. He also served as a defensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.

Patricia was the defensive coordinator of the New England Patriots from 2012-2017 but joined Bill Belichick's coaching staff in 2005, making him part of two Super Bowl-winning teams.

--Field Level Media