Eric Boggs
For Ohio State fans, the confirmation that Matt Patricia is staying with Ohio State as the Defensive Coordinator feels like another offseason victory. Patricia agreed to a new contract, according to Atheltic Director Ross Bjork, who told The Columbus Dispatch that despite NFL interest, Patricia was always committed to remaining in Columbus. That commitment matters immensely for a program chasing championships and determined to maintain its defensive dominance.
Patricia’s first season guiding the Ohio State Buckeyes defense could hardly have gone better. Ohio State led the nation in scoring defense and total defense, surrendering just over nine points and roughly 219 yards per game, numbers not seen at that level since the Alabama Crimson Tide posted historic marks more than a decade ago. Such immediate impact validated Ryan Day’s decision to bring in a coach with extensive NFL credentials and a reputation for schematic adaptability.
The Buckeyes’ defensive success earned Patricia national recognition as a finalist for the Broyles Award, ultimately won by Bryant Haines of the Indiana Hoosiers, but his work still resonated across the sport. In an interview with Holly Rowe, Patricia spoke passionately about rediscovering his love for teaching after years in the NFL with teams like the New England Patriots and as head coach of the Detroit Lions. That enthusiasm translated directly to player development and cohesion on the field.
Head coach Ryan Day made clear how important it was to secure Patricia long term, praising how seamlessly he fit into the program’s culture. With Arthur Smith—previously head coach of the Atlanta Falcons and an assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans—now running the offense, Ohio State will feature two former NFL head coaches as coordinators in 2026, an unusual advantage at the college level.
Analyst RJ Young noted that the speed of Patricia’s turnaround was particularly striking given how long it took former coordinator Jim Knowles to fully implement his system. Patricia, by contrast, evaluated the roster, adjusted the scheme, and immediately produced the nation’s best defensive unit with players he didn’t recruit, a testament to both his football intelligence and adaptability.
The challenge now is sustaining that excellence after losing seven starters, including Caden Curry, Kayden McDonald, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Davison Igbinosun, Lorenzo Styles Jr., and Caleb Downs. Replacing that level of talent is never easy, but Patricia already proved last year he can reload quickly, even after eight NFL-drafted starters departed.
With spring practice approaching and the spring game set for April 12 at Ohio Stadium, optimism is high among Buckeye supporters. Continuity on the coaching staff, especially with a defensive architect of Patricia’s caliber, gives Ohio State a legitimate chance to remain the standard on that side of the ball. For a program with championship expectations every season, keeping the mastermind behind the nation’s top defense might be the most important win of the offseason.
