Eric Boggs
Ohio State’s new defensive coordinator, Matt Patricia, met with the media earlier this week to discuss his transition from the NFL to the Buckeyes, his impressions of the current roster, and his vision for the defense moving forward. Buckeye Nation has every reason to be excited, as Patricia’s pedigree and passion for teaching the game could be the key to elevating an already strong program.
Building a Relationship with Players
One of the first players Patricia heard about upon joining Ohio State was CJ Hicks, and it’s clear that he’s been impressed with Hicks’ skill set. Patricia highlighted Hicks’ versatility, noting his ability to play both on and off the ball, transition his vision effectively, and bring explosive power to both the pass rush and run defense.
“He’s really eager to learn everything,” Patricia said. “His explosive pop is unique, and his versatility allows us to use him in different ways to confuse offenses.”
Adjusting to the College Game
Coming from an extensive NFL background, Patricia acknowledged the challenge of transitioning from coaching professionals to evaluating and mentoring young players. While NFL coaches focus on refining the skills of seasoned veterans, college coaching requires assessing raw talent and developing fundamentals.
“The kids are way better now than we ever were,” Patricia admitted, speaking on how much the talent level has evolved over the years. “Looking at raw attributes like flexibility, movement, and instincts is key, and then it’s about coaching them up to reach their full potential.”
Depth and Development on the Defensive Line
With a long season ahead, depth on the defensive line remains a focal point for the Buckeyes. Head coach Ryan Day has stressed the importance of having a deep rotation, and Patricia is committed to developing the right combinations to sustain high performance throughout the season.
“You can have depth, but if guys aren’t in the right position, it won’t look good,” Patricia explained. “It’s our job as coaches to put them in positions to succeed and have longevity through the season.”
Recruiting and Relationship Building
Patricia’s arrival also marks a new chapter in recruiting. While he cannot discuss specific recruits, he emphasized the importance of honest conversations and relationship-building with high school prospects.
“The whole recruiting game has changed,” he said. “There’s so much coming at these kids so fast, and my approach is to be direct and honest. I just want to help them evaluate themselves and understand how they fit into what we’re building here.”
Returning to His Roots
Some may have viewed Patricia’s transition from the NFL to college football as an unusual career move, but for him, it’s a return to what he loves most: teaching and mentoring young players.
“This is Ohio State. This is the top,” Patricia said with pride. “I’m lucky to be here, and my focus is to coach, teach, and help these kids succeed on and off the field.”
With spring practice in full swing and Patricia bringing his NFL-level insight and passion to the Buckeyes, Ohio State fans should be optimistic about what’s ahead. If his early evaluations and enthusiasm are any indication, the Buckeye defense is in good hands.
