Like Bill Belichick, former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is reportedly taking his talents to college football.
According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the reigning national champions, the Ohio State Buckeyes, are finalizing a deal to make Patricia their new defensive coordinator.
The move comes in the wake of former assistant Jim Knowles leaving the program to coach defense for Penn State.
This will be Patricia’s first return to coaching since serving as a senior defensive assistant and play-caller for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023. The team ultimately allowed his contract to expire after a one-and-done year with no extension in 2024.
Sources: Ohio State is finalizing a deal to hire Matt Patricia as the school’s new defensive coordinator. Patricia was an NFL head coach with the Lions and longtime DC with the New England Patriots. pic.twitter.com/NdCTsCMVBz
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) February 12, 2025
Patricia won two Super Bowls in the role of defensive coordinator with the Patriots. However, he hasn’t been able to replicate that success away from Belichick.
He spent nearly three full seasons as the head coach of the Detroit Lions before returning to the Patriots as the offensive line coach and offensive play-caller. It was a failed return that ended in him leaving and landing the opportunity in Philly.
There’s hope that Patricia can find the same magic he found in New England under coach Ryan Day and a top-tier program at Ohio State.