Ohio State Interviews Matt Patricia for Defensive Coordinator Position

Ohio State University is in the process of finding a new defensive coordinator after the departure of Jim Knowles, who moved to Penn State. Matt Patricia, a former defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots and head coach of the Detroit Lions, has emerged as a leading candidate for the position. Patricia, who has a strong NFL pedigree but faced challenges in his head coaching tenure, is seen as a significant hire that could reshape the Buckeyes' defense. Despite his lack of recent college coaching experience, Patricia's history with Bill Belichick's defenses and his Super Bowl wins make him a notable prospect. The Buckeyes are also considering internal candidates to fill the role, reflecting a careful approach to maintain their defensive prowess. The decision on the new coordinator is crucial as the team looks to uphold its defensive identity following a successful 2024 season.