Ohio State Buckeyes' Defensive Coordinator Matt Patricia's Future

The Ohio State Buckeyes hired Matt Patricia as their defensive coordinator after the departure of Jim Knowles. Following his first full season, Patricia has emerged as one of the top defensive coordinators in college football. His success has attracted interest from NFL teams, raising concerns about his potential departure from Ohio State.

Heavy

Recent updates indicate a positive outlook for Patricia's tenure with the Buckeyes. Pat Murphy from BuckNuts reported that Patricia desires to remain at Ohio State, stating, “No news is good news on that front. He wants to be here; it’s just a matter of ‘let’s see what comes in.’” This sentiment suggests that while Patricia is open to opportunities, he is inclined to stay unless presented with a compelling offer from the NFL.

Heavy

The Buckeyes faced a significant challenge with the recent departure of Brian Hartline, their offensive coordinator, who took a head coaching position at South Florida. Losing both coordinators in consecutive seasons would have posed a considerable hurdle for head coach Ryan Day and the team. However, Patricia's commitment to Ohio State appears strong, and he is likely to return for at least one more season.

Heavy

Looking ahead to the 2026 college football season, the Buckeyes are currently ranked No. 2 in the nation by The Athletic in their early rankings, trailing only Oregon. Despite anticipated losses of talent to the NFL from the 2025 roster, the team is expected to remain competitive. Key players, including Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith, are set to return, bolstering the offense. The continuity of Patricia as defensive coordinator would further enhance the team's prospects for success.

Heavy

While the outlook for Patricia's return is optimistic, there remains a level of uncertainty. The potential for NFL teams to pursue him could disrupt the stability Ohio State seeks. Critics may argue that the constant turnover in coaching staff could hinder the team's development and performance.

Heavy

• “He wants to be here it’s just a matter of ‘let’s see what comes in’.” — Pat Murphy, BuckNuts

Heavy

In summary, Matt Patricia's future with the Ohio State Buckeyes appears promising as he is likely to continue leading the defense into the 2026 season, contributing to the team's aspirations of reclaiming national championship status.

Heavy