Eric Boggs
Ohio State has made a major splash in its coaching staff, securing two-time Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator Matt Patricia to lead the Buckeyes’ defense in 2025. An Ohio State spokesperson confirmed the hiring on Wednesday, marking a significant addition to Ryan Day’s staff. Patricia replaces Jim Knowles, who departed in January to take over as Penn State’s defensive coordinator.
Patricia brings an extensive résumé of defensive excellence, having served as the defensive play caller for the New England Patriots from 2009-17. During his tenure, the Patriots consistently ranked among the NFL’s best defenses, finishing in the top 10 in points allowed per game in eight of those nine seasons. Under his leadership, New England led the NFL in scoring defense in 2016, a season that culminated in a Super Bowl victory. He also played a pivotal role in the Patriots’ 2014 championship campaign.
While his tenure as the Detroit Lions’ head coach from 2018-20 was less successful, Patricia’s defensive acumen remains undisputed. Following his time in Detroit, he returned to New England in various roles before spending the 2023 season as a senior defensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite not coaching in 2024, Patricia now returns to the sidelines at the collegiate level, ready to bring championship-level defense to Columbus.
Alongside Patricia’s arrival, Ohio State has promoted two key defensive assistants. Tim Walton, who has been instrumental in developing Ohio State’s secondary since joining the staff in 2022, has been elevated to co-defensive coordinator. Walton’s leadership helped the Buckeyes finish first in total defense and third in passing defense en route to their national championship victory last season. Known for his strong recruiting ability, he has brought in elite talents such as Devin Sanchez, Bryce West, and Aaron Scott Jr.
Matt Guerrieri, another rising star in the coaching ranks, has been promoted to passing game coordinator. After returning to Ohio State in 2024 as safeties coach, Guerrieri played a key role in developing the nation’s best safety tandem, with Caleb Downs earning unanimous All-American honors and Lathan Ransom receiving second- and third-team All-American accolades. Guerrieri’s experience as a defensive play caller at Duke and Indiana further solidifies his credentials, and head coach Ryan Day has expressed immense confidence in his future, calling him “one of the brightest minds in college football.”
Patricia’s hiring underscores Ohio State’s commitment to maintaining an elite defense capable of competing for national titles. His experience in leading championship-caliber defenses at the highest level will be invaluable as he takes on his first collegiate defensive coordinator role. With Walton and Guerrieri alongside him, Patricia inherits a talented coaching staff featuring defensive line coach Larry Johnson and linebackers coach James Laurinaitis, both of whom played integral roles in last year’s dominant defensive unit.
Patricia is one of two new coordinators for Ohio State in 2025, joining Brian Hartline, who has been promoted to offensive coordinator. The Buckeyes have also welcomed quarterbacks coach Billy Fessler and offensive line coach/run game coordinator Tyler Bowen to the staff, further strengthening a team poised to defend its national championship.
With Patricia at the helm of the defense, Buckeye Nation can expect a relentless, disciplined unit ready to dominate opponents and uphold Ohio State’s tradition of defensive excellence. The expectations are clear: bring home more championships. And with Patricia’s championship pedigree, the Buckeyes are in prime position to do just that.
