The Ohio State football team was able to bring in Matt Patricia before the 2025 season to become the defensive coordinator. He was able to bring a unique defensive scheme, and that was on full display this past season. He was putting Caleb Downs and Arvell Reese in positions to be successful that they hadn't been in before.
Patricia showed that he is still a very strong defensive mind and can really help the Buckeyes be elite. He was able to interview for several defensive coordinator positions in the NFL. Even so, Ryan Day really wanted to keep Patricia in Columbus for the 2026 season.
Day released a statement talking about how happy he is to have Patricia back. Patricia clearly wanted to be a part of the program again. He has released a statement now that he is officially returning for next season. Even though more people are going to try to steal him away next offseason, he's locked in with the Buckeyes.
Matt Patricia releases statement about staying at Ohio State
Patricia is stoked to be back in Columbus and made it clear that his family likes the city. He took to Instagram to let everyone know that.
“Certainly, thank you to Coach Day and his trust in me with the defense, our athletic director, Ross (Bjork), his staff, our coaching department, all the players. Just so thankful to be here. We love Columbus. We love the Buckeyes.”
Patricia clearly believes that the Ohio State Buckeyes can help him achieve his goals, whatever they are. If the defense is successful again in 2026, he will likely get more interviews for NFL DC jobs, as well as some head coaching jobs in college football.
The Buckeyes will keep using Patricia to help scheme up a solid defense, even with the loss of talent that he will have to deal with. Ohio State wants to keep him as long as he wants to stay in Columbus. Patricia has done a good job with bringing in recruits, as well.