Eric Boggs
Ohio State has once again dipped into the NFL talent pool, adding another experienced professional to its defensive staff just three weeks before the highly anticipated season opener against Texas. Former Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Josh Boyer is set to join the Buckeyes, according to multiple reports, with ESPN’s Pete Thamel first breaking the news. While his official title has yet to be announced, the timing and the hire speak volumes—Ryan Day is clearly intent on fortifying his staff with as much high-level defensive knowledge as possible before the grind of the 2025 season begins.
Boyer’s connection to current Ohio State defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is a major reason this hire makes sense. The two began their NFL journeys with the New England Patriots in 2006, spending over a decade working together under Bill Belichick. Patricia rose to defensive coordinator in 2012, with Boyer serving as the team’s cornerbacks coach during that time. The familiarity between the two means Boyer can step in without a steep learning curve, instantly contributing to the collaborative defensive environment Patricia has been building since arriving in Columbus. That kind of built-in trust could be invaluable as the Buckeyes prepare for a season opener that will immediately test their defensive readiness.
Boyer’s football roots run deep in Ohio. A native of Heath, he played both wide receiver and defensive back at Muskingum College before beginning his coaching career in 2000 as a graduate assistant at King’s College in Pennsylvania. His path took him through several college stops—Dayton, Kent State, and Bryant—before breaking into the NFL in 2006. His résumé includes 13 seasons with the Patriots, a year as the Dolphins’ defensive pass game coordinator, and a three-year run as Miami’s defensive coordinator from 2020–2022. That kind of varied experience means Boyer has worked with different defensive philosophies, adapted to different rosters, and learned to make adjustments against the game’s most talented offenses.
From a Buckeye fan’s perspective, Boyer’s addition is about more than just another name on the coaching roster—it’s about sharpening the edge of a defense that has shown flashes of dominance but still has something to prove in big moments. Patricia’s NFL pedigree already raised expectations for schematic creativity and disciplined execution, and Boyer brings even more tactical depth, particularly in the secondary. His track record in developing cornerbacks and safeties should complement Ohio State’s already talented defensive backfield, potentially turning it into one of the most reliable units in the country.
Fan reactions have already started pouring in on social media, with many expressing excitement over the hire. “This is another big-boy football move,” one Buckeye fan posted. “We’re stacking our defensive staff like an NFL team.” Others noted that this type of hire shows Ohio State’s commitment to not just competing with, but surpassing programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Michigan when it comes to coaching resources. In a sport where preparation and in-game adjustments can swing the biggest matchups, having two defensive coaches with extensive NFL experience could be a game-changer.
Boyer’s defensive philosophy with the Dolphins was built around aggressive, press-man coverage and versatile blitz packages—a style that, if adapted to Ohio State’s personnel, could make the Buckeyes even more disruptive. His experience in disguising coverages and forcing quarterbacks into bad decisions could pair perfectly with a pass rush that looks to take another step forward this season. The combination of Patricia’s big-picture scheme design and Boyer’s attention to detail in the secondary could give Ohio State’s defense a more complete, complementary feel.
As the season approaches, the exact nature of Boyer’s role will be revealed, but his hiring sends a clear message: Ohio State is leaving nothing to chance in its pursuit of a national championship. With Texas looming as an immediate litmus test and the Big Ten gauntlet ahead, the Buckeyes are surrounding their players with the kind of coaching minds who have faced—and beaten—the best. For a program already stocked with talent, the addition of Josh Boyer might be the piece that helps turn championship potential into reality.
