“Matt Patricia’s Bold Take on Ohio State: A Surprising Twist That Has Fans Talking!”

As the confetti settles and the echoes of cheers fade from the grandstands, Ohio State has proven once again that they are at the pinnacle of college football—emerging victorious from the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. But as exhilarating as lifting that championship trophy is, the season always brings its share of transitions and transformations. With several star players walking the graduation stage (or strutting their stuff in the NFL) and pivotal coaching changes afoot, the Buckeyes are now on the hunt for fresh strategies to keep their momentum going. Enter Matt Patricia, the new defensive coordinator with a hefty NFL pedigree, who’s swapping the glitz of pro football for the storied traditions of Ohio State. His optimism shines through as he emphasizes mentorship over mere tactics; he views this new chapter as a golden opportunity to nurture young talent. So, can the Buckeyes rebuild and reclaim their dominance amid fierce competition and high expectations? Let’s dive in to find out! LEARN MORE

The college football season ended with Ohio State as the best team in the country, lifting the championship trophy after conquering the first-ever 12-team College Football Playoff.

The playoff journey took a lot out of Ohio State, in more ways than one. Several senior contributors are heading to graduation or the NFL, and a number of coaches took other jobs in the offseason.

Defensive coordinator Jim Knowles was among those coaches, and he chose to take the same position at Penn State – the team he grew up supporting. Knowles’ departure meant that the Buckeyes had to get creative with their next defensive coordinator hire.

They went to the NFL ranks and brought in a coach with Super Bowl experience, and that coach says he doesn’t see heading to college as a demotion or a downgrade.

“We want to teach, we want to mentor, that’s what we want to do,” said Matt Patricia, the Buckeyes’ new defensive coordinator.

“It’s Ohio State, this is the top. I’m pretty lucky to be here”

Matt Patricia doesn’t think going from the NFL to OSU is a step back, he says he’s lucky to be a Buckeye.

He wanted to go somewhere to mentor and teach players. He says being at OSU is a great opportunity to coach: pic.twitter.com/kA2FrrByNj

— Adam King (@AdamKing10TV) March 24, 2025

“This is a great opportunity for me to get back to that. I think it’s really important right now just to teach the game. And I know I can help the kids if they want to go to the next level, I can give them that advice.”

Patricia also explained that going to a school like Ohio State after leaving the NFL is essentially a lateral move due to the facilities and amenities the school (and particularly the football program) has to offer.

“I mean, it’s Ohio State. This is the top. I’m lucky to be here,” Patricia added.

“It’s a great community, the kids are great, so I think it’s a great opportunity to go coach.”

Ohio State will look to follow in the footsteps of the Georgia Bulldogs next season, as they were the most recent team to repeat as national champions. 

They’ll also look to take care of unfinished business along the way after yet another loss to Michigan last season. Ohio State was still able to make the playoff, but a loss to their most hated rival – and the resulting post-game fight – is surely still simmering.

Getting to the national championship is harder than it’s ever been after the expanded playoff, and we’ll see if the Buckeyes and Patricia can do enough to find their way back.

Related: Ryan Day Announces Final Decision On Ohio State’s Spring Game