Breaking News: Ohio State Set to Name Matt Patricia as New Defensive Coordinator

According to reports from ESPN, Ohio State University has chosen former head coach of the Detroit Lions, Matt Patricia, to take on the role of their next defensive coordinator.

Patricia will be replacing Jim Knowles, who played a crucial role in the Buckeyes' national championship win this past season. Knowles, originally from Pennsylvania, left Ohio State to become the highest-paid defensive coordinator at Penn State.

Thanks to their top-ranked defense, Ohio State secured four victories in the College Football Playoff, including a 34-23 win against Notre Dame in the championship game. The Buckeyes allowed only 251.1 yards per game, over five yards less than the next best team, Indiana.

With a record of 14-2, the Buckeyes also led the nation in points per game with an average of 12.2, over two points higher than Notre Dame.

At 50 years old, Patricia previously held a record of 13-29-1 during his time as head coach of the Lions from 2018-2020. He also worked as a defensive assistant for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.

Prior to his time with the Lions, Patricia was the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots from 2012-2017. He first joined the coaching staff in 2005 and was part of two Super Bowl-winning teams under the leadership of Bill Belichick.