For the 2025 season, the Ohio State football team had Matt Patricia as the defensive coordinator. It was a controversial hire after Jim Knowles bolted for Penn State. It ended up being the right one, as the Buckeyes had the best defense in college football statistically.
Patricia not only took over the defense; he elevated it. The Ohio State Buckeyes had a shot to win a national championship, but faltered down the stretch. Since the season has ended, there have been worries that Patricia could leave Columbus for a job in the NFL.
News on Monday brought good news for Ohio State. They have signed Patricia to a contract extension. As of now, there is no word on how long that contract is for, nor the amount of money Patricia will be paid. That begs the question: how long can the Buckeyes keep him?
How long can the Ohio State football team keep Matt Patricia?
Keeping Patricia on staff for the 2026 season is fantastic for Ohio State. His ability to scheme up a defense and use the strengths of his players in various ways is one of the big reasons why they went undefeated in the regular season. Now, he has a bigger challenge ahead of him with a much younger defense.
After this season, there is a good chance that the Buckeyes will be at risk of losing him again. If Ohio State has another great defense, odds are he will be getting more NFL interviews. He could also get some collegiate head coaching interviews, as well.
It's unlikely Ohio State will be able to keep Patricia for more than two more years. He is going to want more than just being a DC in college. He will either want to be a head coach again or move back into the NFL. He is going to be a hot commodity again next offseason.
The Buckeyes can pay him a lot of money. They just can't give him control of the program or a Super Bowl ring.