The Ohio State football team has a couple of new coordinators on the coaching staff this year. Brian Hartline has been on staff for years, so he isn't a new guy to bring into the fold. Matt Patricia is certainly a new coach, and he hasn't been coaching for over a year.
Patricia was chosen as the defensive coordinator after Jim Knowles bolted for Penn State. Patricia is going to be a true defensive coordinator for the first time in 7+ years. It is going to be a new endeavor for the Buckeyes, but it's an endeavor that Ryan Day is excited about.
Day had an intensive search for a new defensive coordinator and chose Patricia over other candidates. The Ohio State Buckeyes will have a new defensive scheme once the season starts. Day is excited about what Patricia can bring and said so as much in a recent interview.
Ryan Day loves what Matt Patricia will bring to the Ohio State football team
While speaking on the Bobby Carpenter Show, Day talked about how much he loves what Patricia will bring to the team as a coach.
Ryan Day is fired up about what Matt Patricia brings to Ohio State’s defense:
— Bobby Carpenter Show (@BobbyCarpShow) July 18, 2025
"I think one of the best things he's done over his career is put guys in a position to be successful." pic.twitter.com/mkcRh8ra7C
"When we hired him, I was fired up, but I'm even more fired up now because I've seen him talk to the guys, talk to recruits, and build relationships. They're just taking ownership of this defense."
Patricia has an entirely new starting defensive line, so that won't be easy for him to navigate. He does still have Caleb Downs, who might be the best defensive player in the country. He also still has Sonny Styles, who is one of the best linebackers in the country.
Day is happy with what Patricia has done so far, but the results on the field are all that matter. He has a tough first test against Texas ub the season opener in the Shoe.