Ohio State Buckeyes defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is sitting and waiting to see what happens in the NFL's hiring cycle now that the season is officially over after the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots on Sunday night.
Per Bucknuts' Patrick Murphy, that doesn't necessarily mean Patricia is plotting a move out of town. But Murphy did share an interesting message on 97.1 The Fan that could indicate that Patricia's return isn't set in stone yet.
"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'. And I think he deserves the right to take his time," Patricia said.
Before Ohio State lost to the Miami Hurricanes in the Cotton Bowl Classic, Patricia explained why he took a job in College Football, and hinted at some thoughts about fearing for his job security in Columbus.
"I had the year to look back and say, ‘Why did I get into coaching?’ I got into it to help teach and mentor young men. And I think that’s what the draw was to come back to college," Patricia said in December.
"I mean, I’m really happy. I’m not in a hurry to do anything other than try to win this game. Hopefully, no one is trying to run me out of town or anything right now. It’s a really special place. Hopefully, I’m helping the kids, and I’m helping us win."
Cleveland Browns could be a threat to poach Matt Patricia
The Cleveland Browns are currently searching for a Jim Schwartz replacement at defensive coordinator. Schwartz took things personally when the Browns hired Todd Monken instead of promoting him, leaving Cleveland and opening up an NFL job in the state.
It'd be hard to blame Patricia for taking that job if it came to it, considering all the defensive talent the Browns possess. As Cleveland figures out its quarterback situation, the defensive coordinator could become a popular figurehead in "The Land."
The Browns are conducting interviews for their DC spot as we speak. We'll see if Patricia's name pops up in those rumors.